3   1822  01156  9894 


H 


GROUP  OF  CHILDREN 


AND 

• 


OTHER   POEMS. 

BY  .' 

D.  C.  COLESWORTHY. 


THE  HEART,  BY  SORROW  PAINED  AND  BOWED, 

TAKES  HOPE,  WHENE'EK  is  HEARD, 

AMID  THE  WORLDLY  CLAMOR  LOUD, 

THE  POTENT  LITTLE  WORD. 

Oio.  A.  BAILCT. 


BOSTON: 
ANTIQJJE     BOOK     STORE, 

NO.    66    (    ii  i:  x  H  i  L  i.. 
1865. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1865,  by 

1>.  C.  COLESWORTHY, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


PRESS  OF  GEO.  C.  BASD  &  AVERT. 


To 
MY  FATHER  AND  MY  MOTHER 

8%  following 


ARE  AFFECTIONATELY  INSCRIBED. 


CONTENTS. 


A  Group  of  Children 9 

A  Little  Word 22 

Drops 23 

Give  a. Trifle ' 26 

Faults  of  Others 27 

Looking  Upward 28 

Daily  Trials 29 

Give  Every  Day 31 

A  Present  Help   .  • 33 

Trifles  .  .    • 35 

Daily  Blessings 36 

Patient  and  Strong 38 

To  Thee  I  Turn 39 

Something  Every  Day 41 

Truth 42 

Little  by  Little 43 

There  is  a  God     40 

Never  say  Fail 49 

Read  the  Bible 52 

Preach  the  Truth 55 

Hidden  Grief 56 

"Winter 57 

I  would  Die 58 

A  Life  among  the  Hills 59 

It  is  not  Wisdom 01 

Don't  kill  the  Birds .62 


vi  CONTENTS. 


Epitaph 63 

Triumph  of  Virtue 64 

Charity 67 

Don't  be  Impatient 68 

Death  by  Intoxication 71 

Sympathy 73 

Be  not  Discouraged 74 

Let  us  do  Good 75 

A  Wanderer 76 

Words  that  are  Kind " 77 

A  Lesson 79 

Do  not  Falter 80 

Suspicion 81 

A  Tear  ................. 82 

Hymn  of  Gratitude    .  .' 83 

One  Deed  of  Kindness 86 

The  Hand  Divine    ..  . 88 

A  Bitter  Word 89 

A  Thought 90 

To  my  Mother 91 

The  Acceptable  Year  of  the  Lord 96 

Beauty  Everywhere 96 

The  Eain-drop ............................  98 

My  Cot 100 

A  Word 102 

Nature  Full  of  God 104 

Heaven 107 

Storm  and  Sunshine  .......................  109 

But  Once  I  Strayed 110 

The  Truth .......' Ill 

Look  Above  .  .  ..  .  ..  . 113 

Epitaph 114 

The  Lover  of  Nature 115 

Virtue 116 

Judge  not  Harshly 117 

Waiting  and  Watching 118 

Not  for  Ourselves 120 

A  Smile . 123 

Generous  and  Sincere 124 


CONTENTS.  vii 


Why  are  you  Dull  ? 125 

Triumph  of  the  Eight 127 

Humble  Heart 129 

The  Active  Mind 130 

Thy  Brother  has  Fallen 133 

Be  mine  a  Cot 136 

Erring  Brother 137 

The  Mean  Man 138 

Ye  are  Going 141 

Appearances : 142 

How  to  win  an  Erring  Brother 143 

Benevolence 144 

Say  No 145 

The  New  Year 148 

Granting  Licenses 154 

I  love  the  Man 156 

Death  of  an  Only  Child 159 

What  is  it  to  Live  ? 161 

This  World 162 

Try,  Keep  Trying 164 

Humble  Deeds 166 

What  is  Life  ? 167 

The  Heart's  Bitterness 169 

The  Infant  Dead 170 

Go  not  Back 171 

The  Good  Man 174 

The  Great 175 

Never  yield  to  Sorrow 176 

Stand  Up,  Brother ' 177 

Pleasure  Everywhere 179 

Press  On 181 

Vice 182 

One  Fault 183 

A  Lesson  from  Nature 184 

Make  Others  Happy 186 

Rest  in  Peace 187 

Ballots 188 

Conference  with  the  H^rt 190 

Rural  Life 193 


Till  CONTENTS. 


Stand  as  the  Andes 195 

The  Desire  of  all  Nations 197 

Benevolence 199 

Appearances  Deceitful 200 

Onward 201 

We  will  be  Heard 203 

Path  of  Error 206 

The  Beautiful 207 

Go  Forward 208 

Be  Quiet ; 210 

A  Xoble  Example 213 

Never  Repine 214 

One  Moment 215 

Mind  It  Not 217 

Forgive  thy  Brother 219 

Kindness 220 

Our  Banner 221 

Keep  Striving 223 

I'll  Never  Despair 225 

Smiles  and  Kind  Words 227 

Winter  is  Coming 229 

The  Blues 232 

Social  Prayer 234 

List  not  to  the  Evil    .  ...  .  .  235 


A  GROUP  OF   CHILDREN. 

A  GROUP  of  bappy  children  see, 

With  golden  locks  and  sunny  eyes ; 
From  base  intrigue — from  passion  free — 

Within  each  little  bosom  lies 
Joy  bubbling  up  with  sweet  content ; 

To  them  each  moment  glides  away, 
Bearing  afresh  the  lineament 

Of  bliss  that  breathes  of  no  decay. 

How  sweetly  musical  the  gush 
Of  cheerful  voices  on  the  air ; 

The  welkin  rings  again ;  but  hush ! 
'Tis  calm  as  men  had  met  for  prayer. 

They  shout  this  moment,  and  the  next 

They're  awe-struck  by  the  sounds  afar ; 
2 


10  A   GROUP   OF    CHILDREN. 

Now,  with  their  little  thoughts  perplexed. 
Now,  tongue  and  limbs  are  all  ajar. 

Time  hastens  on,  and  soon  will  each 

Gay  tenant  of  the  field  and  glen 
The  sober  days  of  autumn  reach  ; 

Too  soon  they'll  grow  to  active  men. 
Their  destiny  I  may  not  tell  — 

Their  deeds  of  honor  and  renown  — 
How  many  tears  their  lids  may  swell  — 

If  virtue  smile,  or  vice  shall  frown. 

The  various  paths  they  all  may  try 

To  gain  a  living,  or  secure 
The  honors  that  may  never  die, 

I  cannot  see.     Of  this  I'm  sure, 
If  guided  by  an  honest  heart, 

A  soul  from  vicious  passions  free, 
Each  will  in  life  act  well  his  part, 

And  gain  a  blessed  eternity. 


A   GROfUP   OP   CHILDREN.  11 

Perhaps  amid  the  group  I  see 

One  who  may  touch  a  MILTON'S  lyre ; 
A  BYRON,  joined  to  misery, 

Whose  pen  was  dipped  in  gall  and  fire  ; 
A  LUTHER,  solemn  and  sedate  ; 

A  HOWARD,  noble,  generous,  kind  ; 
VOLTAIRE,  who  dared  God's  truth  to  hate, 

And  trifle  with  the  deathless  mind. 

That  bright-eyed  boy,  with  roguish  looks. 

The  midnight  lamp  may  yet  consume. 
And  gather  knowledge  from  his  books, 

The  world 'of  science  to  illume  ; 
While  he,  who  with  a  pleasant  smile 

Enjoys  the  trifling  joke  so  well, 
May  have  a  vicious  heart  of  guile, 

The  catalogue  of  crime  to  swell. 


- 


Yon  tiny  child  with  golden  locks 

May  influence  yet  the  world  at  large ; 


12  A   GROUP   OP   CHILDREN. 

Perhaps  a  CALVIN  or  a  KNOX 

Is  now  beneath  a  parent's  charge ; 

Or,  wild  and  wayward,  he  may  roam, 
An  outcast  on  the  land  or  sea, 

Forgetting  all  the  joys  of  home; — 
A  wretch,  despised  by  all  to  be. 

He,  gazing  on  the  flashing  sky, 

Or  listening  to  the  thunder-peal, 
As  if  he  felt  that  God  were  nigh, 

May  have  the  genius  of  a  STEELE. 
In  him  who  lifts  the  tender  flower, 

The  beauteous  leaves  and' pollen  scan 
ning, 

Who    loves    the    greensward    and    the 
bower, 

May  burn  the  eloquence  of  CHANNING. 

Beneath  that  noble  brow,  may  rest 
The  gentle  nature  of  a  POTTS  ; 


A   GROUP   OP   CHILDREN.  13 

Or,  slumbering  in  the  generous  breast, 
The  deep  devotion  of  a  WATTS  ; 

And  here,  a  FRANKLIN'S  mighty  mind ; 
A  COOPER,  IRVING,  or  a  SCOTT  ; 

Or  there,  to  bless  the  human  kind, 
A  DAVY,  WHITNEY,  or  a  WATT. 

One,  mild  and  gentle  as  he  speaks, 

Preventing  mischief  when  he  can, 
The  welfare  of  the  whole  who  seeks, 

May  be  a  TRASK  or  WATERMAN.- 
Another,  vexing  all  he  meets, 

And  sharing  in  the  griefs  of  none, 
Who  oaths  and  vulgar  words  repeats, 

Like  JEFF,  may  have  a  heart  of  stone. 

In  manners  coarse  and  unrefined, 
Eager  to  catch  low  words  of  wit, 

That  urchin,  with  a  groveling  mind, 
Will  learn  to  smoke  and  chew  and  spit : 

2* 


14  A   GROUP   OF   CHILDREN. 


Malignant  passions  may  control : 
Oh!  who  can- fathom  half  the  wrong 
That  slumbers  in  his  youthful  soul  ? 

That  child,  with  silver  voice,  may  be 

Like  WILLIS,  when  he  sung  of  yore ; 
A  WHITTIER,  modest,  mild,  and  free  ; 

A  BURNS,  a  HOWITT,  or  a  MOORE  : 
In  this,  the  flame  of  him  who  sung 

The  pleasant  «  Voices  of  the  Night ; " 
Perhaps  a  POLLOK,  or  a  YOUNG  ; 

A  SPRAGUE,  a  PIERPONT,  or  a  LIGHT. 

And  in  this  little,  headstrong  elf, 

MONTGOMERY'S     sacred    thoughts    may 
dwell ; 

A  LADD,  forgetful  of  himself — 
Perhaps  the  spirit  of  a  TELL. 


A   GROUP  OF  CHILDREN.  15 

In  him  who  shrinks  from  others'  gaze, 
Whose  angry  feelings  nought  can  stir, 

The  fire  of  passion  soon  may  blaze,  — 
More  than  a  match  for  Lucifer. 

Perhaps  a  BRAINERD'S  spirit  may 

Rest  calmly  in  that  ragged  boy ; 
A  MARTYN,  who,  to  give  away 

The  bread  of  life,  and  sin  destroy 
Upon  a  heathen  shore,  may  yield 

The  bliss  of  home,  its  pure  delight ; 
A  MUNSON,  falling  on  the  field, 

Just  as  the  foe  had  met  his  sight. 

A  PAYSON,  eloquent  for  truth  ; 

A  JENKINS,  kind,  persuasive,  good, 
May  rise  from  this  ambitious  youth, 

To  stand,  ere  long,  where  erst  they 
stood. 


16  A   GROUP   OP   CHILDREN. 

A  RAIKES,  to  teach  the  pliant  mind ; 

A  SCOTT,  or  DODDRIDGE,  to  expound  ; 
A  MORRISON,  to  lead  the  blind, 

Where  error  falls,  and  truth  is  found. 

That  lively  boy,  so  full  of  hope, 

May  be  distinguished  in  the  race  ; 
Perhaps  a  GOLDSMITH,  or  a  POPE, 

AGASSIZ,  WEBSTER,  or  LA  PLACE  ; 
His  forehead,  with  its  full  expanse, 

The  living  fire  of  talent  shows; 
He  yet  may  prove  a  DEAN,  a  VANCE, 

A  DRAKE,  a  CUTTER,  or  a  BOZE. 

Yon  stately  youth,  with  thoughtful  eye 
And  noble  heart;  frank,  courteous,  free; 

May  lay  his  kite  and  marbles  by, 
A  HALE,  or  FESSENDEN  to  be ; 

While  this,  impulsive,  studious,  grave, 
At  times  forgetful  of  his  play, 


A   GROUP  OF  CHILDREN.  17 

May  be  a  PREBLE,  wisely  brave, 
An  EVERETT,  SUMNER,  or  a  FAY. 

That  active  lad,  who  early  fears 

Before  the  shrine  of  Vice  to  bow, 
And  marks  the  more  than  orphan  tears, 

May  have  the  earnest  zeal  of  Dow ; 
In  him  who  wanders  through  the  fields, 

Or  o'er  the  hills  in  studious  mood, 
While  every  leaf  new  wisdom  yields, 

May  live  the  genius  of  a  WOOD. 

And  he  who  plays  along  the  shore, 

While  every  shell  his  thought  beguiles, 
May  o'er  its  beauties  love  to  pore, 

Till  he  becomes  a  GOOLD,  or  MIGHELS  : 
While  he  who  watches  every  star, 

When  shadows  gather  dim  and  dark, 
And  gazes  at  it,  bright  and  far, 

May  have  the  patience  of  a  CLARKE. 


18  A    GROUP   OF    CHILDREN. 

Now  I  behold  amid  the  group, 

With  earnest  voice  and  flashing  eye, 
One  whose  strong  spirits  never  droop, 

Who  loves  the  thundering  of  the  sky. 
The  whirlwind,  as  it  sweeps  the  sea, 

Fixes  his  gaze  and  makes  him  feel 
The  presence  of  a  Deity ;  — 

He  has  the  spirit  of  a  NEAL. 

That  laughing,  witty  child  of  fun, 

His  genial  brain  who  early  racks, 
Rejoicing  at  some  mischief  done, 

May  be  a  HOOD,  a  HOLMES,  or  SAKE. 
Strong  for  the  right  and  fearing  none, 

Yon  urchin,  calm,  determined,  strong, 
May  be  a  valiant  GARRISON  — 

A  PHILLIPS,  battling  with  the  wrong. 

Mark  him  with  serious,  solemn  look, 
The  Bible  is  his  chief  delight ; 


A   GROUP   OF   CHILDREN.  19 

Each  day  he  reads  the  holy  book ; 

He'll  be  an  EDWARDS  or  a  DWIGHT. 
And  he,  to  patriot  pride  averse, 

Full  of  duplicity  and  fibs, 
May  be  a  DAVIS,  FLOYD,  or  PIERCE, 

A  KIDD,  a  THORNTON,  or  a  GIBBS. 

That  active  wight,  brimful  of  talk, 

Who  passes  all  his  hours  so  gayly, 
Now  swapping  knives,  now  selling  chalk, 

May  be  a  DOWNING  or  a  BAILEY  : 
While  he  who  lingers  round  the  hearth, 

And  careful  reads  the  choicest  books, 
Who  will  not  join  the  pleasant  mirth, 

May  rise  a  BRYANT,  or  a  BROOKS. 

There's  one  who  loves  the  ocean's  roar 
And  listens  to  the  pattering  rain ; 

He  marks  the  waves  that  tumble  o'er, 
And  fall  like  giants  on  the  main ; 


20  A   GROUP  OF   CHILDREN. 

He's  happy  in  the  sun  or  shade, 
That  roguish,  wayward  little  elf; 

Oh,  who  would  think  that  he  was  made 
For  NASON,  BECKETT,  or  ourself  ? 

The  brightest  of  that  happy  throng 

No  future  genius  may  display ; 
Perhaps   they'll   school    their  hearts   to 
wrong, 

And  turn  from  justice,  truth  away  ; 
Their  crimes  may  stain  their  native  land, 

To  find  dishonored  graves  at  last ; 
Or  they  may  join  a  pirate  band, 

And  perish,  hanging  to  the  mast. 

Oh,  may  they  all  to  virtue  give 

Their  talents  and  their  influence  now, 

That  in  the  future  they  may  live 

With  TRUTH  enstamped  upon  the  brow. 


A   GEOUP   OF   CHILDREN.  21 

In  blessing  others,  being  blessed, 

Sweetly  will  pass  their  fleeting  days, 

Till  in  a  land  where  spirits  rest 

They  tune  their  hearts  to  endless  praise. 

'Tis  thus  I  muse  where'er  I  see 

A  noisy  and  a  happy  throng, 
While  still  my  spirit  leaps  to  be 

A  sharer  in  the  sport  and  song. 
I  would  I  were  like  them  again, 

So  full  of  frolic,  life  and  joy  ; 
As  free  from  sorrow,  care  and  pain, 

As  when  I  was  a  careless  boy. 


22  A   LITTLE   WORD. 


A  LITTLE   WORD. 

A  LITTLE  word  in  kindness  spoken, 

A  motion  or  a  tear, 
Has  often  healed  the  heart  that's  broken, 

And  made  a  friend  sincere. 

A  word  —  a  look  —  has  crushed  to  earth 

Full  many  a  budding  flower, 
Which,  had  a  smile  but  owned  its  birth, 

Would  bless  life's  darkest  hour. 

Then  deem  it  not  an  idle  thing, 

A  pleasant  word  to  speak  ; 
The.  face   you  wear,  the   thoughts   you 
bring, 

A  heart  may  heal  or  break. 


DROPS.  23 


DROPS. 

DROPS  of  clouds  are  scattered  freely 

Far  along  the  lighted  sky  ; 
Drops  of  sunshine,  through  the  forest, 

Golden  strings  of  beauty  lie. 

Drops  of  snow  and  chill  northeasters 
Make  the  prospect  dark  and  drear  ; 

Drops  of  May-suns,  and  the  landscapes 
Rich  and  beautiful  appear. 

Drops  of  rain  fall  thick  and  faster 
On  the  sunniest  day  in  June ; 

Drops  of  rainbow  beauty  flashes, 
Like  an  angel's  noteless  tune. 


24  DROPS. 

Drops  of  darkness  gather  nightly, 
Clothing  fields  and  skies  in  gloom  ; 

Drops  of  stars,  in  queenly  splendor, 
High  their  golden  march  assume* 

Drops  of  sorrow,  daily  falling, 
Mingle  with  life's  sweetest  hours  ; 

Drops  of  mercy,  sparkling  o'er  us, 
Gladden  like  the  birth  of  flowers. 

Drops  of  rancor  in  the  bosom, 
Enter  like  a  dagger  thrust ; 

Drops  of  kindness  soothe  the  troubles, 
Stay  the  war  of  pride  and  lust. 

Drops  of  slander,  rank  with  poison, 
Blast  the  sunniest  joys  of  life ; 

Drops  of  comfort,  sweet,  consoling, 
Calm  the  angry  waves  of  strife. 


DROPS.  25 

Drops  of  dark  suspicion  wither 

All  the  genial  hopes  within ; 
Drops  of  ideas,  manly  uttered, 

Blast  the  poisonous  gourds  of  sin. 

Drops  of  violence  and  hatred, 
God's  creation  blight  and  mar ; 

Drops  of  pure  religion,  Christ-like, 
Bring  an  end  to  rage  and  war. 

Drops  of  furrows,  aged  pilgrim, 
Earth  no  longer  is  thy  home ; 

Drops  of  faith,  the  world  receding, 
Glory  flashes  on  thy  tomb. 

Drops  of  death  upon  the  features  — 
Farewell  to  the  scenes  of  time ; 

Drops  of  grace,  the  Saviour  cometh, 
Soul !  ascend  to  joys  sublime. 

3* 


26  GIVE   A    TRIFLE. 


GIVE  A  TRIFLE. 

IT  is  a  trifle  ;  give  a  mill 
To  help  the  poor  along ; 

'Tis  not  the  amount,  it  is  the  will, 
That  makes  the  virtue  strong. 

"  I  have  but  little,"  never  say, 
«  'Twill  not  avail  to  give  ; " 

A  penny,  if  you  give  to-day, 
Will  make  the  dying  live. 

It  is  the  spirit,  not  the  gold 

Upon  the  waters  cast, 
That  will  return  a  hundred  fold, 

To  cheer  and  bless  at  last. 


FAULTS   OF   OTHERS.  27 

Then  give  a  trifle  cheerfully 

From  out  thy  little  store  ; 
With  interest  it  will  come  to  thee 

When  thou  wilt  need  it  more. 


FAULTS   OF   OTHERS. 

WHAT  are  another's  faults  to  me  ? 

I've  not  a  vulture's  bill, 
To  pick  at  every  flaw  I  see, 

And  make  it  wider  still. 

It  is  enough  for  me  to  know 

I've  follies  of  my  own  ; 
And  on  my  heart  the  care  bestow, 

And  let  my  friends  alone. 


28  LOOKING    UPWARD. 


LOOKING   UPWARD. 

WHEN  I  daily  look  up, 

And  never  look  down, 
I  find  that  my  cup 

Is  filled  to  the  crown  ; 
Whatever  is  wanted 

Into  my  breast  flows ; 
'Tis  when  the  heart's  lifted, 

God  kindly  bestows. 

When  I  grovel  in  dust, 

And  murmur  and  fret, 
How  few  and  how  meagre 

The  blessings  I  get ! 
'Tis  only  when  upward 

I  prayerfully  turn, 
That  favors  are  granted, 

And  wisdom  I  learn. 


DAILY    TRIALS.  29 


DAILY  TRIALS. 

How  many  sorrows  daily  crowd 

The  fond  and  happy  breast ! 
Some  thoughtless  friend  may  whisper  loud 

What  should  not  be  expressed. 

A  harsh  reply,  perhaps,  is  made, — 

A  passionate  rebuke, — 
When  we  a  pleasant  thing  have  said, 

Or  others'  words  mistook. 

For  deeds  of  warmest  charity 

Eeproach  may  be  severe  ; 
And  the  sweet,  pleasant  smile  may  be 

Turned  to  a  bitter  tear. 


30  DAILY    TRIALS. 

The  heart  that  loved  us,  for  a  bribe 

On  us  in  scorn  may  turn, 
Or  vileness  so  our  acts  describe, 

As  none  the  truth  discern. 

Such  are  our  trials  day  by  day  — 

But  he  is  really  blest, 
Whatever  sorrows  crowd  his  way, 

Or  cares  or  pains  molest  — 

Who  watches  o'er  his  heart  with  care, 
At  morning,  noon  and  night, 

And  lifts  to  Heaven  the  fervent  prayer 
To  be  directed  right. 


GIVE    EVERY    DAY.  31 


GIVE  EVERY  DAY. 

LET  us  give  something  every  day 

For  one  another's  weal ; 
A  word,  to  make  the  gloomy  gay, 

Or  the  crushed  spirit  heal ; 
A  look,  that  to  the  heart  will  speak, 

Of  him  that's  poor  and  old ; 
A  tear  for  her,  o'er  whose  wan  cheek 

Full  many  a  stream  has  rolled. 

The  objects  of  our  love  and  care, 

In  every  path  we  see, 
And  when  they  ask  a  simple  prayer, 

Oh,  shall  we  selfish  be, 
And  turn  away  with  haughty  trust, 

As  if  the  God  above 
Were  partial  to  our  pampered  dust, 

And  only  us  did  love  ? 


32  GIVE   EVERY   DAY. 

Let  us  give  something  every  day, 

To  comfort  and  to  cheer ; 
'Tis  not  for  gold  alone  they  pray, 

Whose  cries  fall  on  the  ear ; 
They  ask  for  kindness  in  our  speech, 

A  tenderness  of  heart, 
That  to  the  inmost  soul  will  reach, 

And  warmth  and  life  impart. 

Each  one  can  give  —  the  poor,  the  weak, 

And  be  an  angel  guest ; 
How  small  a  thing,  to  smile,  to  speak, 

And  make  the  wretched  blest ! 
These  favors  let  us  all  bestow, 

And  scatter  joys  abroad, 
And  make  the  vales  of  sorrow  glow 

With  the  sweet  smiles  of  God ! 


A    PRESENT   HELP.  33 


A  PRESENT   HELP. 

Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble :  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou 
shalt  glorify  me.    Psalms  1 : 15. 

WHAT  course  I  take  by  Thee  is  planned, 

Who  Lord  of  glory  reigns; 
Whate'er  I  do,  thy  guardian  hand 

Directs,  upholds,  sustains. 

The  morning  sun  is  riot  more  sure 

Than  thy  protecting  care 
Of  those  who're  in  thy  arms  secure, 

Embraced  by  faith  and  prayer. 

I  will  not  fear  when  troubles  rise, 

I  know  for  all  my  grief 
Thy  love  the  needed  grace  supplies, 

And  sweetly  sends  relief. 


34  A   PRESENT   HELP. 

Should  riches  fail,  should  kindred  die, 

Or  those  I  love  prove  false, 
I'll  see  the  hand  stretched  from  the  sky, 

And  hear  the  voice  that  calls. 

That   hand  how  dear !    that   voice  how 
sweet ! 

To  thee,  dear  Lord,  I'll  cling, 
And  when  life's  waves  most  angry  beat, 

Of  love  and  glory  sing. 


TRIFLES.  35 


TRIFLES. 

A  RAINDROP  is  a  little  thing, 

But  on  the  thirsty  ground 
It  helps  to  make  the  flowers  of  spring, 

And  beauty  spread  around. 

A  ray  of  light  may  seem  to  be 

Lost  in  the  blaze  of  day  : 
But  its  sweet  mission  God  can  see 

Who  sends  it  on  its  way. 

A  little  thought  —  dropped  in  the  urn 

Of  honest  truth  —  may  be 
The  means  whereby  a  world  shall  learn 

Christ  Jesus  died  for  me. 


36  DAILY   BLESSINGS. 


DAILY  BLESSINGS. 

DAY  by  day  they  fall  upon  me, 
Fall  upon  me  from  the  skies, 

Blessings,  blessings,  without  number, 
When  I  rest  and  when  I  rise. 

Come  they  in  the  rosy  morning, 
With  the  gush  of  golden  light, 

When  my  first  thank-offering  rises, 
For  the  guarded  hours  of  night. 

In  the  heat  of  noon-day  splendor, 
Blessings,  blessings,  still  descend  ; 

And  my  heart  leaps  joyful  upward 
To  my  ever-present  Friend. 


DAILY   BLESSINGS.  37 

In  the  stillness  of  the  twilight, 
When  is  closed  the  busy  day, 

Fall  they  on  my  heart  and  household, 
As  I  lowly  bend  to  pray. 

Thus  have  blessings  ever  fallen 
From  the  hand  above  the  skies, 

Teaching  me  each  moment  higher 
Should  the  Christian  strive  to  rise. 


4* 


38  PATIENT   AND    STRONG. 


PATIENT  AND  STRONG. 

WHEN  thicken  the  shadows, 

And  darkness  is  spread 
Where  the  soft  golden  sunshine 

So  richly  was  shed, 
Oh,  look  to  the  future, 

In  a  sweet,  grateful  song, 
For  the  sky  is  all  mercy  — 

Be  patient  and  strong. 

The  cares  that  distract  you 

Lay  resolute  by, 
And  lift  with  devotion 

The  heart  and  the  eye  ; 
And  for  the  rich  blessing 

You  will  not  wait  long, 
If  you  are  fervent  and  faithful, 

And  patient  and  strong. 


TO    THEE   I   TURN.  39 


TO   THEE  I   TURN. 

To  Thee  I  turn, 

When  sorrow  droops  the  wing, 
And  winter  has  no  spring, 
And  every  stream  is  dry 
That  ran  in  gladness  by  — 

To  Thee  I  turn. 

To  Thee  I  turn, 
When  friends  I  love  forsake, 
And  bends  the  heart  to  break, 
And  on  each  face  I  see 
The  smile  of  treachery  — 

To  Thee  I  turn. 

To  Thee  I  turn, 
In  every  hour  of  pain, 
When  help  from  man  is  vain, 


40  TO   THEE   I   TURN. 

And  find  a  sweet  relief, 
While  joy  gives  place  to  grief- 
To  Thee  I  turn. 

To  Thee  I  turn, 
My  Father  —  turn  to  thee  ; 
And  love  and  kindness  see  : 
When  glory  fills  the  skies  — 
When  every  pleasure  dies  — 

To  Thee  I  turn. 


SOMETHING    EVERY    DAY.  41 


SOMETHING  EVERY  DAY. 

THERE'S  something  every  day  to  make 

The  cheerful  spirits  sad  — 
A  word  to  cause  the  heart  to  ache 

When  it  is  sweetly  glad. 

We  rise,  rejoicing  in  the  light, 

But,  ere  an  hour  is  gone, 
The  day  looks  cheerless  as  the  night 

When  dismal  gloom  comes  on. 

A  friend,  perhaps,  has  treacherous  proved, 

A  harsh  word  has  been  said, 
Or  those  we  tenderly  have  loved 

Are  resting  with  the  dead. 


42  TRUTH. 

Thus  every  day  the  heart  is  pained, 
By  word,  or  look,  or  deed ; 

The  real  bliss  that  we  have  gained 
Proves  but  a  broken  reed.    * 


TRUTH. 

TRUTH  will  prevail,  though  men  abhor 

The  glory  of  its  light, 
And  wage  exterminating  war, 

And  put  all  foes  to  flight. 

Though  trodden  under  foot  of  men, 
Truth  from  the  dust  will  spring, 

And  from  the  press,  the  lip,  the-  pen, 
In  tones  of  thunder  ring. 


LITTLE   BY   LITTLE.  43 


LITTLE   BY  LITTLE. 

LITTLE  fears  and  little  sorrows 
Meet  us  in  our  daily  rounds ; 

Little  strips  of  golden  sunshine, 
Happy  birds  and  sweetest  sounds. 

Little  cares  and  little  troubles 
Mingle  in  our  daily  cup  ; 

Little  blessings,  little  comforts, 
In  our  path  are  springing  up. 

Little  words,  unkindly  spoken, 
Sharply  lacerate  the  heart ; 

Little  acts  of  self-denial 

In  each  trial  strength  impart. 


44  LITTLE   BY  LITTLE. 

Little  slanders,  faintly  whispered, 
Eat  as  doth  a  canker  rust ; 

Little  deeds  of  mercy  scattered 
Bring  enjoyment  from  the  dust. 

Little  pains  and  bitter  moments 
Hang  with  clouds  the  golden  sky  ; 

Little  rays  of  mercy  falling 
Drain  each  cup  of  sorrow  dry. 

• 

Little  fears  from  foes  relentless 
Agitate  the  peaceful  breast ; 

Little  acts  of  Christian  kindness 
Sweetly  calm  to  quiet  rest. 

Little  doubts  of  perfect  safety 
Of  a  rest  beyond  the  tomb, 

How  they  fill  the  soul  with  anguish, 
And  the  joys  of  life  consume  ! 


LITTLE   BY  LITTLE.  45 

Little  glimpses  of  the  glory 

By  the  death  of  Christ  revealed, 

How  they  dissipate  the  terror !  — 
Make  the  heart  rejoice  to  yield  ! 

Little  hours  of  trial  ended, 

Little  darkness,  doubts  and  fears, 

In  a  moment  heaven  opens, 

And  the  soul  with  Christ  appears. 


46  THERE   IS   A   GOD. 


THERE  IS  A   GOD. 

THERE  is  a  God !     His  voice  is  heard 

In  every  whispering  breeze, 
In  every  leaf  that's  gently  stirred 

Upon  the  forest  trees. 
The  whirlwind  in  its  wrath  and  might, 

O'er-sweeping  land  and  sea, 
With  desolation  in  its  flight, 

Tells  of  a  Deity. 

The  blossoms  that  betray  the  spring. 

The  little  birds  at  play, 
The  golden  birds  a-twittering 

Throughout  the  livelong  day, 
And  skies  that  soft  and  mild  appear, 

Whence  gentle  dews  descend, 


THERE   IS   A   GOD.  47 

Tell  of  a  God  in  lines  as  clear 
As  with  a  sunbeam  penned. 

The  leaves  unfolding  to  the  sun, 

In  Summer's  glorious  reign, 
Streams  flashing  diamonds  as  they  run, 

Slow  winding  through  the  plain, 
Or  tumbling  from  a  craggy  height, 

Through  groves  of  Araby, 
So  pure  and  musical  and  bright, 

Tell  of  a  Deity. 

The  golden  gifts — brown  Autumn's  pride, 

That  crown  the  harvest-field, 
The  treasures  that  on  every  side 

The  rain  and  sunshine  yield, 
The  bearded  sheaves,  the  bended  bough, 

All  eloquent  exclaim, 
There  is  a  God !  behold  him  now ! 

Be  thankful  at  his  name  ! 


48  THERE   IS   A   GOD. 

The  hoar-frost,  and  the  feathery  snow 

That  falls  so  silently, 
The  ice  that  stopped  the  river's  flow, 

Which  lately  dashed  so  free. 
Careering  storms  and  howling  winds, 

The  cold  and  piercing  air, 
To  hearts  devout,  uplifted  minds, 

A  God  !  a  God  !  declare. 

There  is  a  God  !  inscribed  I  read, 

Where'er  I  turn  my  eyes  : 
No  less  within  the  mustard-seed 

Than  on  the  vaulted  skies. 
I  cannot  look  below,  above, 

I  cannot  gaze  abroad, 
But  wisdom  shines  and  wondrous  love 

There  is,  there  is  a  God ! 


NEVER   SAY   FAIL.  49 


NEVER  SAY   FAIL. 

KEEP  pushing  —  'tis  wiser 

Than  sitting  aside, 
And  dreaming  and  sighing, 

And  waiting  the  tide  : 
In  Life's  earnest  battle, 

They  only  prevail 
Who  daily  march  onward, 

And  never  say  fail. 

With  an  eye  ever  open, 

And  a  tongue  that's  not  dumb, 
And  a  heart  that  will  never 

To  sorrow  succumb, 
You'll  battle  and  conquer, 

Though  thousands  assail : 

5* 


50  NEVER   SAY   FAIL. 

• 

How  strong  and  how  mighty, 
Who  never  say  fail ! 

The  spirits  of  angels 

Are  active,  I  know, 
As  higher  and  higher 

In  glory  they  go  : 
Methinks  on  bright  pinions 

From  heaven  they  sail, 
To  cheer  and  encourage 

Who  never  say  fail. 

Ahead  then  keep  pushing, 

And  elbow  your  way, 
Unheeding  the  envious, 

And  asses  that  bray : 
All  obstacles  vanish, 

All  enemies  quail, 
In  the  might  of  their  wisdom 

Who  never  say  fail. 


NEVER   SAY   FAIL.  51 

• 

In  life's  rosy  morning, 

In  manhood's  firm  pride, 
Let  this  be  the  motto 

Your  footsteps  to  guide  : 
In  storm  and  in  sunshine, 

Whatever  assail, 
You'll  onward  and  conquer, 

And  never  say  fail. 


52  .   READ  .THE   BIBLE. 


READ   THE  BIBLE. 

TAKE  the  Bible — read  the  Bible  — 

'Tis  a  precious,  precious  book : 
Every  day  you  scorn  its  message, 

Careless  on  its  pages  look, 
You  deprive  your  souls  of  pleasure  — 

Joys  which  they  alone  can  tell, 
Who  have  found  it  golden  treasure 

From  the  God  of  Israel. 

Read  the  Bible— love  the  Bible — 
Bind  it  firmly  to  the  heart ; 

It  will  cheer  you  in  your  darkness, 
And  a  generous  light  impart : 

When  the  night  of  sorrow  lengthens, 
Friends  forsake  and  peace  has  flown, 


BEAD  "THE  BIBLE.  53 

It  will  chase  the  gloomy  shadows 
With  a  brightness  all  its  own. 

Take  the  Bible  —  love  the  Bible  — 

All  its  precepts  treasure  up  ; 
And  amid  life's  sharpest  trials 

It  will  prove  the  star  of  hope : 
In  your  pilgrimage  'twill  cheer  you  — 

Shade  by  day  and  sun  by  night ; 
Joy  in  sorrow,  health  in  sickness, 

Peace  and  pleasure,  pure  delight. 

Read  the  Bible  —  love  the  Bible  — 

'Tis  a  gift  from  God  to  man ; 
Every  thought  is  inspiration, 

Breathing  of  redemption's  plan ; 
And  the  soul,  in  darkness  groping, 

Pointing  to  a  region  blest, 
Where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling 

And  the  weary  are  at  rest. 


54  BEAD   THE   BIBLE. 

Read  the  Bible  —  love  the  Bible  — 

Weary  pilgrims,  guileless  youth ; 
Listen  to  its  sweet  instructions, 

Words  of  wisdom,  power,  and  truth 
Read  the  Bible  —  love  the  Bible  — 

Sick,  in  health,  at  home,  abroad  ; 
Every  time  you  read  its  pages 

You  are  nearer  brought  to  God. 


PREACH   THE   TRUTH.  55 


PREACH   THE   TRUTH. 

FEAR  ye  not  the  face  of  clay, 

Preach  the  truth ; 
It  will  spring  another  day, 

If  you're  faithful, 
And  the  holy  Word  obey. 

What  if  scorning  men  oppose  ? 

Preach  the  truth, 
To  your  friends  and  to  your  foes  ; 

If  you're  faithful, 
These  will  yield  as  well  as  those. 

With  the  message  from  the  skies, 

Preach  the  truth, 
To  the  foolish  and  the  wise  : 

If  you're  faithful, 
Vice  will  sink,  and  virtue  rise. 


56  HIDDEN  GRIEF. 

If  men  hear  or  men  forbear, 

Preach  the  truth ; 
Truth  is  never  lost  in  air  : 

If  you're  faithful, 
You  a  crown  of  life  shall  wear. 


HIDDEN   GRIEF. 

How  oft  a  pleasant  smile  conceals 

The  anguish  of  the  breast, 
Which  to  the  joyous  throng  reveals 

A  heart  supremely  blest 
Ah !  could  we  gaze  within  and  see 

The  anguish  preying  there, 
"  God,  thanks  for  what  we  are,"  would  be 

The  burden  of  our  prayer. 


WINTER.  57 


WINTER. 

How  cold  it  is,  and  dreary ! 

The  snow  is  on  the  ground ; 
The  chilly  north  wind  bloweth 

With  melancholy  sound. 
The  bright  and  dashing  river, 

The  pleasant,  leaping  rill, 
Are  touched  by  Winter's  finger, 

And  now  are  smooth  and  still. 

The  flowers  that  in  the  summer 

Were  beautiful  and  bright, 
And  forest-trees,  have  perished, 

With  all  that  gave  delight. 
Where'er  we  look  around  us, 

We  see  but  stern  decay : 
On  plain,  or  in  the  valley, 

The  glory's  passed  away. 


58  I   WOULD   DIE. 


I  WOULD   DIE. 

I  WOULD  die  when  the  day 

Lingers  bright  in  the  west ; 
When  the  bird  hies  away 

To  his  soft,  downy  nest ; 
When  the  hum  of  the  bee 

Is  not  heard  on  the  hill, 
And  the  woodland  and  lea 

And  the  hamlet  are  still. 

When  the  sad,  weary  heart 

Can  no  longer  abide, 
Oh,  how  sweet  to  depart 

At  the  still  eventide ! 
When  the  sun's  parting  rays 

Flash  glory  and  bliss, 
And  the  heart  is  all  praise : 

Be  my  death  like  to  this. 


A   LIFE   AMONG  THE    HILLS.  59 


A   LIFE  AMONG   THE  HILLS. 

FAR  from  the  bustling,  noisy  crowd, 

How  peaceful  is  the  life  of  those 
Whose  names  are  never  spoke  aloud 

By  subtle  friends  —  malignant  foes ! 
Who,  unmolested  in  their  toil, 

The  pleasant  seasons  -pass  away; 
Finding  beneath  the  fruitful  soil, 

Wealth  to  support  them  day  by  day. 

I  would  a  farmer's  life  were  mine !  — 

Oh  for  a  home  beside  the  hills, 
Among  the  trees,  where  flocks  recline, 

And  the  pure  dew  of  heaven  distils ; 
Where  grateful  breezes  fan  the  cheek, 

And  living  blossoms  scent  the  air  ; 
Where  vale  and  hill  and  streamlet  speak, 

And  the  Creator's  love  declare. 


60  ^   LIFE   AMONG   THE    HILLS. 

For  a  secluded  life  I  sigh : 

My  soul  detests  the  noise  and  strife, 
The  heavy  air  and  dusty  sky, 

The  endless  cares  of  city  life. 
To  mingle  with  the  bustling  throng, 

I  feel  my  spirit  was  not  made  ; 
For,  when  I  hear  the  wild-wood  song, 

Grandeur  and  love  my  soul  pervade. 

I  feel  at  home  when  I  can  stray 

In  sunny  glens  and  dreamy  woods, 
And  see  the  rippling  streams  that  play 

Amid  the  lonely  solitudes. 
I  love  to  linger  all  alone, 

And  list  the  music  of  the  breeze : 
Sometimes  a  sweet  and  mournful  tone 

It  plays  among  the  whispering  trees. 

A  life  among  the  hills,  I  ask  — 

With  heart,  0  God  !  devout  to  thee  7— 


IT   IS   NOT  WISDOM.  61 

That  I  may  in  thy  sunshine  bask, 

With  skies  so  pure  and  winds  so  free  ; 

Where,  night  and  morning,  I  can  feel 
A  peace  within  —  a  love  to  all — 

With  not  a  care  my  joys  to  steal, 
Till  Thou  shalt  for  my  spirit  call. 


IT  IS   NOT   WISDOM. 

IT  is  not  wisdom  to  subdue 

A  foe  beneath  our  feet ; 
To  cause  the  heart,  where  virtue  grew, 

To  practise  base  deceit ; 
To  plant  within  the  happy  breast 

A  thought  to  give  it  pain ; 
Or  enter  circles,  pure  and  blest, 

An  impious  end  to  gain. 

6* 


62  DON'T  KILL  THE  BIEDS. 


DON'T  KILL   THE  BIRDS. 

DON'T  kill  the  birds  —  the  little  birds 

That  sing  about  your  door, 
Soon  as  the  joyous  spring  has  come, 

And  chilling  storms  are  o'er. 
The  little  birds,  how  sweet  they  sing  ! 

Oh !  let  them  joyous  live ; 
And  never  seek  to  take  the  life 

That  you  can  never  give. 

Don't  kill  the  birds  —  the  pretty  birds 

That  play  among  the  trees : 
'Twould  make  the  earth  a  cheerless  place, 

Should  we  dispense  with  these. 
The  little  birds  —  how  fond  they  play  ! 

Do  not  disturb  their  sport ; 
But  let  them  warble  forth  their  songs 

Till  winter  cuts  them  short. 


EPITAPH.  63 

Don't  kill  the  birds  —  the  happy  birds 

That  bless  the  field  and  grove : 
So  innocent  to  look  upon, 

They  claim  our  warmest  love. 
The  happy  birds,  the  tuneful  birds, 

How  pleasant  'tis  to  see  ! 
No  spot  can  be  a  cheerless  place 

Where'er  their  presence  be. 


EPITAPH. 

AN  angel,  wandering  from  the  skies, 

Beheld  a  jewel  rare  ; 
And,  in  the  tyrant  Death's  disguise, 

Conveyed  the  jewel  there, 
And  placed  it  on  the  Saviour's  breast, 
To  be  the  Prince  of  Glory's  guest. 


64  .  TRIUMPH   OF  VIRTUE. 


TRIUMPH   OF  VIRTUE. 

No  trump  of  fame,  no  clarion  peal, 
Attends  thy  glorious  reign ; 

No  rifled  fields,  no  hoof  of  steel, 
No  writhing  hearts  of  pain, 

Written  in  blood  on  heaven's  high  arch, 

Tell  of  thy  proud,  majestic  march. 


Thy  banner  is  not  dipped  in  blood 
Of  children,  matron,  sire  ; 

No  dark,  portentous  horrors  brood, 
With  villages  on  fire  : 

Yet  mighty  is  thy  conquest  now  — 

Before  thy  tread  ten  thousand  bow. 


TRIUMPH   OP   VIRTUE.  65 

They  bow,  but  not  the  suppliant  knee 

In  superstitious  awe ; 
They  bow,  but  not  in  agony, 

That  tyrants  usurp  law  : 
They  bow  to  Truth,  to  Virtue,  Right ; 
And  rise  in  majesty  and  might. 

The  chains  that  fettered  limb  and  mind, 
That  bowed  them  to  the  dust, 

And  to  a  life  of  woe  consigned, 
Have  been  asunder  burst : 

See  what  a  glorious  band  arise, 

With  grateful  hearts  and  streaming  eyes ! 

Strong  in  the  Right,  no  more  the  bowl 
Shall  tempt  from  Virtue's  path ; 

Indignant  at  its  base  control, 
Its  smiles  that  lure  to  wrath, 

They  dash  it  to  the  ground,  and  swear 

That  truth  alone  shall  triumph  there. 


66  TEIUMPH   OF   VIRTUE. 

Still  onward  roll  the  glorious  car, 
Till  not  one  foe  remains; 

Until  exterminating  war, 

Throughout  proud  Belial's  plains, 

Shall  put  each  eiiemy  to  flight, 

Or  win  him  in  the  ranks  to  fight. 

Onward,  still  onward,  till  the  globe 
To  its  deep  centre  feels ; 

Till  Virtue,  in  a  golden  robe, 
On  fiery  chariot-wheels, 

Shall  round  the  earth  a  glory  fling, 

And  every  heart  of  victory  sing. 


CHARITY.  67 


CHARITY. 

WHEN  to  the  bosom  warmly  pressed, 

We  take  some  wanderer  home, 
Who  sought  in  vain  a  place  of  rest, 

Too  feeble  now  to  roam, 
We  but  obey  the  voice  that  speaks 

From  Him  who  rules  the  skies  : 
K  He  who  his  neighbor's  welfare  seeks 

Shall  to  my  kingdom  rise." 

Oh,  blest  are  they  who  never  turn 

A  brother  from  the  door ; 
In  every  face  a  friend  discern, 

Though  feeble,  sick,  and  poor ; 
And  with  their  hands  wide  spread  receive, 

And  nurse  with  gentle  care : 
Such  souls  a  crown  of  glory  weave, 

In  paradise  to  wear. 


68  DON'T  BE  IMPATIENT. 


DON'T   BE  IMPATIENT. 

DON'T  be  impatient  — 

Wait,  wait,  wait : 
Than  plunge  into  sorrow, 
You  would  better  be  late. 
By  striving 
And  driving, 
The  mark  is  not  hit : 
'Tis  wiser  to  grope, 
And  feel  for  a  rope, 
Than  fall  in  the  pit. 

Don't  be  impatient  — 

Stop  and  think : 
Better  have  cool  moments 
On  Despondency's  brink, 
Than  leaping 
And  keeping 


DON'T  BE  IMPATIENT.  69 

In  water  that's  hot. 

'Tis  wisdom  to  go 

On  surely  and  slow, 
Content  with  your  lot. 

Don't  be  impatient  — 

Wait  and  win : 
The  last  foe  approaches, 
And  the  last  monster  sin. 
Pursuing 
And  doing, 

With  a  firm,  steady  eye, 
And  a  heart  that's  true, 
You'll  dare  and  do, 
And  bring  glory  nigh. 

Don't  be  impatient  — 

Wait ;  be  still : 
Loud  voice  and  great  bluster 

Are  nothing  but  dumb  zeal ; 


70  DON'T  BE  IMPATIENT. 

They're  louder 
And  prouder 

Than  wisdom  and  strength  ; 
They  rise,  but,  alas  ! 
Bring  nothing  to  pass, 
And  perish  at  length. 

Don't  be  impatient  — 

Wait,  wait,  wait : 
Than  plunge  into  sorrow, 
You  would  better  be  late. 
By  racing 
And  chasing, 

You  soon  lose  your  ground  : 
Be  patient  and  still ; 
In  good  time  you  will 
With  Wisdom  be  found. 


DEATH    BY    INTOXICATION.  71 


DEATH   BY   INTOXICATION. 

Ho !  ye  who  for  money 

The  spirit  imbrute, 
Go  look  at  your  labor  ; 

'Tis  terrible  fruit ! 
You  dealt  him  the  poison, 

And  bade  him  depart, 
While  the  fire  was  burning 

The  blood  of  his  heart. 

Gaze  !  gaze  on  the  victim 

You  poisoned  for  gain ; 
And  think  of  his  death-throes  : 

Then  murder  again. 
Be  active  in  slaying : 

The  devils  in  hell, 
Approving,  will  give  you 

Three  cheers  and  a  yell ! 


72  DEATH    BY   INTOXICATION. 

The  lone  wife  a-weeping, 

The  children  in  tears  — 
What  is  it  but  music 

To  the  rumseller's  ears  ? 
He  feasts  on  their  sorrows, 

Grows  fat  on  their  sighs, 
And  is  lifted  to  glory 

When  Misery  writhes. 

Gaze  on  the  fixed  eye-balls, 

So  glassy  and  dim  ! 
Then  forth  to  your  revels, 

And  fill  to  the  brim 
The  bright,  fatal  chalice ; 

And  laugh,  if  you  please, 
As  you  turn  to  the  gutter, 

A  brother  to  freeze. 

Remember,  men-killers, 
The  day  of  hot  doom  ; 


SYMPATHY.  73 

When  devils  incarnate 
Will  make  for  you  room : 

Your  dark  deeds  of  horror 
Will  feed  your  despair, 

'Mid  your  groans  of  keen  anguish 
For  a  breath  of  cool  air. 


SYMPATHY. 

THERE  never  was  a  human  heart, 

However  weak  and  low, 
That  would  not  generous  love  impart, 

And  sympathy  bestow, 
If  we  ourselves  should  manifest 
Those  holy  feelings  in  the  breast. 

7* 


74  BE   NOT    DISCOURAGED. 


BE  NOT   DISCOUEAGED. 

IF  to  improve  the  mind,  "or  gain 
The  meed  of  honest  praise, 

Your  strongest  efforts  seem  in  vain, 
Still  high  your  standard  raise  : 

A  little  knowledge  gained  to-day 

Will  greatly  help  you  on  your  way. 

They  who  011  their  own  powers  rely 

See  every  barrier  fall : 
The  dauntless  heart,  the  sleepless  eye, 

Will  triumph  over  all, 
And  gather  round  a  deathless  name 
The  victor-wreath  of  virtuous  fame. 


LET   US   DO    GOOD.  tb 


LET   US   DO   GOOD. 

LET  us  do  good.    How  sweet  the  thought, 
We  have  the  wretched  blest, 

Thrown  smiles  upon  a  clouded  brow, 
And  sunshine  in  the  breast! 

To  know  we've  dried  a  single  tear, 
And  made  one  moment  bright, 

Or  struck  a  feeble  spark  to  cheer 
The  darkest  hour  of  night  — 

Will  give  to  us  more  joy  at  last 
Than  Coesar's  triumphs  gave  : 

The  memory  of  such  deeds  will  live 
In  worlds  beyond  the  grave. 


76  A    WANDERER. 

Then,  in  the  little  sphere  we  move, 
Let  kindness  touch  the  heart ; 

While  every  word  shall  lead  to  love, 
And  happiness  impart. 


A   WANDERER. 

WOULDST    thou    with    deep     repentance 
bring 

A  wanderer  to  the  fold  of  God  ? 
Use  not  reproach,  a  bitter  sting, 

Nor  lift  to  view  an  iron  rod. 

With  tender  words,  and  looks  that  speak 
The  warm  outgushings  of  the  heart, 

Go,  and  the  adamant  will  break, 
And  tears  of  true  repentance  start. 


WORDS   THAT   ARE   KIND. 


WORDS  THAT  ARE  KIND. 

THERE'S  pleasure  in  the  sunshine 

That  sleeps  011  the  hill; 
In  the  fall  of  the  water ; 

In  the  leap  of  the  rill ; 
In  the  leaves  that  are  stirring 

By  the  breath  of  the  wind  : 
But  nowhere  such  pleasure 

As  in  words  that  are  kind. 

The  bright  clouds  that  cover 

The  cerulean  skies, 
And  th'e  autumn's  sweet  sunset  — 

How  dear  to  the  eyes ! 
But  brighter  and  dearer 

The  affectionate  mind, 
That  scatters,  like  sunshine, 

The  words  that  are  kind. 


WORDS   THAT   ARE   KIND. 

I  love  the  calm  waters, 

The  sky  and  the  earth : 
The  morning  that  bringeth 

Creation  to  birth ; 
Sweet  bloom  and  rare  beauty 

I  everywhere  find  : 
But  these  are  as  phantoms 

To  words  that  are  kind. 

Oh  !  lift  the  dark  mantle 

That  shadows  the  heart ; 
And  the  sunshine  of  pleasure 

To  the  wretched  impart : 
When  sorrow  is  pressing, 

Be  ready  to  bind 
With  the  love  of  pure  virtue, 

And  words  that  are  kind. 


A   LESSON.  79 


A   LESSON. 

I'LL  teach  thee  a  lesson  : 

Be  active  and  wise; 
The  deeper  the  valley, 

The  brighter  the  skies ; 
The  harder  the  labor, 

More  weary  the  breast, 
The  sweeter  the  slumber 

When  the  pillow  is  pressed. 

When  the  fierce  storm  approaches, 

Unbend  to  the  blast ; 
Unyielding,  look  upward, 

Till  the  whirlwind  has  passed  : 
The  firm  and  unshaken, 

Who  never  despair, 
The  seal  of  true  greatness 

Forever  shall  wear. 


80  DO   NOT   FALTER. 


DO   NOT   FALTER. 

MEN  with  sinews  strong  and  mighty, 
Make  an  effort :  you  shall  win  ; 
For  the  principle's  within. 
Do  not  falter : 

Truth  will  reach  God's  holy  altar. 

Dare  Oppression !  break  her  fetters ; 
Fight  with  holy  weapons ;  fight 
Till  the  dawning  of  the  Right. 
Do  not  falter : 

Truth  will  reach  God's  holy  altar. 

i 

Lose  no  time  in  idle  dreaming ; 

Turn  not  from  the  cannon's  blaze ; 

Scorn  the  sword  oppressors  raise. 

Do  not  falter : 
Truth  will  reach  God's  holy  altar. 


SUSPICION.  81 

Up !  the  glorious  day  approaches  : 

See  !  the  victory  is  won  ; 

God  shall  reign  with  every  sun ! 

None  shall  falter : 
Truth  has  reached  God's  holy  altar. 


SUSPICION. 

HEARTS  pure  as  vestal  angels  are, 

If  dark  Suspicion  frown, 
Will  those  repulsive  features,  wear, 

Of  every  vice  the  crown. 

Scorn  —  scorn  to  harbor  in  the  breast 

This  passion  of  the  pit; 
And  never  on  a  friend  or  guest 

In  judgment  dare  to  sit. 


82  A   TEAR. 


A  TEAR. 

A  SINGLE  tear  in  pity  shed 

O'er  sorrow  and  distress, 
Throws  sunshine  round  the  aching  head, 

To  cheer,  revive  and  bless. 

One  tear !  who  has  it  not  to  spare  ? 

It  is  a  little  thing, 
Yet  lifts  the  soul  above  despair 

On  a  bright  seraph's  wing. 

Deem  it  not  vain  —  a  silent  tear ; 

But  let  it  kindly  fall : 
'Twill  be  a  gem  to  deck  your  bier 

When  Death's  stern  voice  shall  call. 


HYMN   OF  GRATITUDE.  83 


HYMN  OF   GRATITUDE. 

GOD  of  the  hills  and  verdant  plains, 

I  bless  thy  ruling  hand : 
The  drifting  snows  and  gentle  rains 

Are  sent  by  thy  command. 

The  opening  spring  is  decked  by  thee 
With  each  delightful  flower ; 

And  every  leaf  and  bud  I  see 
Bears  impress  of  thy  power. 

The  ripening  summer's  burning  sun ; 

The  winter's  piercing  cold ; 
The  changing  seasons  as  they  run — 

Thy  wisdom,  Lord,  unfold. 


84  HYMN   OF   GRATITUDE. 

The  joy  that  centres  in  my  cot, 

No  less  thy  wisdom  owns  : 
With  rural  happiness  my  lot, 

I  cannot  envy  thrones. 

Love  dwells  within  my  peaceful  breast 

At  every  morning's  dawn  ; 
And  when  the  sun  sinks  in  the  west, 

My  cares  are  all  withdrawn. 

Although  secluded  from  the  mart 
-    Where  crowd  the  thoughtless  gay  ; 
Where,  in  the  scenes  that  vex  the  heart, 
Men  waste  their  lives  away  — 

Beside  the  hill,  the  purling  brook, 

Glad  Nature's  fond  retreat, 
With  gratitude  to  Thee  I  look, 

And  songs  of  joy  repeat. 


HYMN  OP  GRATITUDE.  85 

For  lot  so  blest,  my  voice  I  raise, 

Almighty  God,  to  thee  ! 
Thou  needest  not  an  angel's  praise ; 

Much  less  such  praise  from  me. 

But  I  will  bless  thy  bounteous  hand 

For  all  the  gifts  bestowed : 
Before  my  heart  could  understand, 

Ten  thousand  thanks  I  owed. 


8* 


86  ONE   DEED   OF   KINDNESS. 


ONE  DEED  OF   KINDNESS. 

• 

ONE  deed  of  kindness  every  day 

Be  earnest  to  perform : 
One  mite  give  to  the  poor  away ; 

One  shelter  from  the  storm. 

One  word  of  comfort  speak  to  him 
Whose  brow  is  dark  with  care  ; 

One  smile  for  her  whose  eyes  are  dim 
By  sickness  or  despair. 

One  look  of  kind  compassion  give ; 

One  motion  or  a  sigh ; 
One  breath  to  bid  the  dying  live ; 

One  prayer  to  God  on  high. 


ONE   DEED   OF   KINDNESS.  87 

What  joy  one  moment  may  impart, 

If  it  is  spent  aright ! 
One  moment  saves  the  broken  heart, 

And  puts  despair  to  flight. 

All  can  bestow  most  precious  gifts  — 
The  weak,  the  low,  the  poor : 

The  feeling  heart  from  sorrow  lifts 
To  heaven's  wide-open  door. 


88  THE  HAND  DIVINE. 


THE  HAND   DIVINE. 

THE  impress  of  a  Hand  Divine 

On  every  thing  I  see : 
The  humblest  flower,  the  tenderest  vine, 

Speak  of  a  Deity. 

There's  not  a  plant  that  decks  the  spring, 

A  blossom,  or  a  rose, 
A  blade  of  grass,  an  insect's  wing, 

But  heavenly  wisdom  shows. 

'Twas  He  who  gave  the  lily  birth, 
And  made  the  worlds  on  high ; 

In  beauty  spread  the  teeming  earth  — 
The  God  forever  nigh. 


A   BITTER  WORD.  89 

Tis  everywhere  I  see  and  trace 

The  finger  of  his  love  ; 
Whose  dwelling  is  unbounded  space, 

Around,  below,  above. 


A   BITTER  WORD. 

How  few  who  speak  a  bitter  word 
Can  tell  the  pang  it  gives ! 

What  angry  feelings  it  hath  stirred ! 
What  malice  it  revives ! 

Oh !  let  the  words  of  kindness  move 
And  dwell  upon  your  lips  ; 

For  passion,  far  estranged  from  love, 
Will  brightest  joys  eclipse. 


90  A   THOUGHT. 


A  THOUGHT. 

IF  but  a  single  thought  I  drop 

Into  a  drowsy  ear, 
It  may  revive  the  spark  of  hope, 

And  the  desponding  cheer. 

A  word  may  save  where  volumes  fail, 
If  spoken  from  the  heart ; 

And  with  the  dying  soul  prevail, 
And  life  and  strength  impart. 

Ye  all  can  speak  a  gentle  word, 
To  bless  the  weak  and  low  ; 

And  o'er  life's  dark  and  thorny  road 
Sweet  flowers  and  sunshine  throw. 


TO   MY  MOTHER.  91 


TO   MY   MOTHER. 

WHEN  tottering  on  the  verge  of  death 
Oppressed  by  pain  and  care, 

I'll  place  my  gentle  arms  beneath, 
And  every  burden  bear  : 

Blest  guardian  of  my  infancy, 

My  mother !  thou  art  dear  to  me. 


Thy  strength  is  gone ;  and  dimly  burns 
Life's  flickering,  transient  flame ; 

And  grief  and  care  and  pain  by  turns 
Have  paralyzed  thy  frame : 

But,  mother,  on  thy  withered  cheek 

I  read  what  language  cannot  speak. 


92  TO   MY  MOTHER. 

And  as  I  gaze  upon  thy  brow, 

So  wrinkled  and  so  pale, 
Where  all  its  bloom  has  faded  now, 

It  tells  a  sorry  tale 
Of  hopes  expired,  of  joys  that  flew 
Soon  as  they  burst  upon  thy  view. 

For  all  thy  care,  dear  mother,  I 
Will  bless  thy  life's  decline, 

Bring  every  drop  of  comfort  nigh, 
Make  all  thy  sorrows  mine, 

Till  God  shall  break  the  slender  thread 

That  keeps  thee  from  the  sainted  dead. 

When  helpless  in  my  infant  years 

I  hung  upon  thy  breast, 
Thy  heart  was  full  of  gloomy  fears, 

And  sorrow  was  thy  guest  : 
Thy  child  might  find  an  early  tomb, 
Or  stain  with  vice  life's  opening  bloom. 


TO   MY   MOTHER.  93 

In  every  dark,  uncertain  way 

Which  heedlessly  I  trod, 
I  heard  thee,  dearest  mother,  pray 

For  blessings  from  thy  God ; 
And,  when  with  Folly's  maze  beset, 
I  could  not  all  thy  prayers  forget. 

Since  thou  art  old,  I'll  guard  thee  well, 
And  thou  shalt  have  no  care ; 

With  years  my  gratitude  shall  swell, 
And  brighter  features  wear, 

Till  Heaven  life's  silken  cord  shall  sever, 

And  hush  my  voice,  or  thine,  forever. 

Till  then,  my  fervent  love  to  thee 
Shall  strengthen  day  by  day ; 

And  every  object  I  will  flee 
That  draws  my  love  away ; 

And  in  these  arms  thou  shalt  be  blest, 

As  once  I  was  upon  thy  breast. 

9 


94   THE  ACCEPTABLE  YEAR  OF  THE  LORD. 


THE  ACCEPTABLE  YEAR  OF  THE 
LORD. 


Luke  iv.  19. 


JOY  to  the  world !     He  comes !  he  comes ! 

The  Saviour  comes  to  bless ! 
Behold !  the  hills  and  mountain-tops 

Put  on  a  glorious  dress. 

He  comes  to  spread  diviner  light, 
And  chase  the  thickening  gloom ; 

To  build  the  wastes  of  sin  and  death ; 
Make  deserts  bud  and  bloom. 

Lift  up  your  hearts,  ye  feeble  saints ; 

And,  with  rejoicing,  pray : 
The  promised  hour  is  on  the  wing ; 

He  may  appear  to-day. 


THE  ACCEPTABLE  YEAR  OF  THE  LORD. 

With  pleading  looks  and  ardent  faith, 

And  expectation  strong, 
Prepare  to  see  the  Saviour  reign  — 

The  Saviour  promised  long. 

And  when  he  comes,  as  soon  he  must, 
Joy  will  your  bosoms  thrill ; 

Red  war  shall  cease,  sin  be  destroyed, 
And  peace  the  world  shall  fill. 


96  BEAUTY   EVERYWHERE. 


BEAUTY  EVERYWHEEE. 

I  SEE  beauty  everywhere  — 
In  the  earth  and  in.  the  air : 
At  my  feet,  and  o'er  my  head, 
Wondrous  is  the  beauty  spread  ! 

In  the  humble  vine  that  creeps 
O'er  the  sand  —  on  craggy  steeps  — 
There  is  something  to  delight, 
Thrill  the  heart,  and  bless  the  sight. 

Underneath  some  gray,  old  rock, 
Hidden  truth  I  oft  unlock ; 
Filling  me  with  sweet  surprise  — 
Quickening  all  my  energies. 


BEAUTY   EVERYWHERE.  97 

In  the  drop  that  trickles  down 
On  the  dingy  fence  and  brown, 
Till  it  feeds  the  thirsty  sod, 
Beauteous  is  the  smile  of  God. 

There  is  beauty  for  us  all, 
On  the  stump  or  mouldy  wall, 
Under  stones  and  tangled  roots, 
If  we  have  not  hearts  like  brutes. 

God  is  good,  and  everywhere 
Pleasure  boundeth :  sea  and  air 
Runneth  over  with  delight 
To  the  heart  and  to  the  sight. 

* 
Earth  with  wondrous  beauty  teems, 

Gushing  from  a  thousand  streams : 
I  will  cast  life's  cares  away, 
Take  my  fill  of  joy  to-day. 

9* 


98  THE    EAIN-DROP. 


THE  RAIN-DROP. 

A  LITTLE  rain-drop  in  the  sky, 

Sad  and  dejected,  said, 
"  Of  what  use  in  the  world  am  I  ? 

I  wish  that  I  was  dead ! " 

It  fell  upon  a  mountain-side, 

And  rolled  into  the  sea : 
A  little  fish  the  drop  espied, 

And  it  was  lost  to  me. 

Years  passed ;  and  from  the  ocean's  bed 

A  diver  careless  drew 
A  tiny  shell,  which,  opening,  spread 

A  sparkling  gem  to  view. 


THE    RAIN-DROP.  99 

Tis  worn  upon  a  kingly  crown ; 

Of  all,  the  brightest  gem : 
The    drop    that   once   came   murmuring 
down 

Graces  a  diadem. 

Weak  if  thou  art,  and  sad  to-day, 

Oh  !   never  dare  repine : 
There  is,  within,  a  gem  that  may 

Yet  grace  a  head  divine. 


100  MY   COT. 


MY   COT. 

MY  sweet  little  cot 

Is  pleasant  to  me ; 
Where  want  coineth  not, 

Nor  sorrow  I  see. 
Tis  hidden  by  trees, 

Fresh,  fragrant  and  green ; 
Through  which  the  soft  breeze 

Flows  musical  in. 

A  stream  runneth  by, 
O'er  pebbles  so  bright, 

That  they  look  to  the  eye 
Like  sparkles  of  light. 

I  wonder,  at  times, 
If  heaven  can  be, 


MY   COT.  101 

With  its  gold  and  its  chimes, 
More  beauteous  to  me  ! 

Away,  pomp  and  show  ! 

No  joys  can  ye  give 
Like  the  blessings  that  flow 

In  the  cot  where  I  live. 
And,  thankful  to  Heaven, 

I  daily  look  up, 
In  prayer  that  he's  given 

Such  joys  to  my  cup. 


102  A    WORD. 


A  WORD. 

A  LITTLE  word  sometimes  has  power, 

-  If  it  is  used  aright, 
To  make  the  skies  that  darkly  lower 
Burn  with  a  golden  light. 

The  heart  o'erburdened  with  distress, 

In  its  own  dismal  cell, 
A  word  will  rouse  to  joyousness, 

And  gloom  and  fear  dispel. 

It  lifts  the  poor  from  dust,  and  brings 
Sweet  sunshine  to  his  home ; 

And  spreads  Hope's  bright,  exulting  wings, 
Where  peace  might  never  come. 


A    WOED.  103 

A  pleasant  word,  if  nothing  else, 

Ye  all  have  power  to  give : 
Make    glad    the   hearts   where    sorrow 
dwells, 

And  bid  the  dying  live. 

Drop  pleasant  words  where'er  ye  go, 

In  cot  or  crowded  mart; 
And  light  and  peace  and  love  will  glow 

In  many  a  wretched  heart. 


104  NATURE   FULL   OF   GOD. 


NATURE  FULL   OF   GOD. 

THE  glory  of  the  mighty  God, 

Where'er  I  gaze,  my  eyes  behold  ; 

When  Evening  spreads  her  veil  abroad, 
Or  morning  clouds  are  tinged  with  gold. 

The  ocean,  as  it  heaves  and  swells 
Around  the  isles  that  dot  the  sea, 

In  tones  as  loud  as  thunder,  tells 
His  awful  power  and  majesty. 

The  stars  that  gem  the  glorious  skies, 
The  solemn  sentinels  of  light, 

Speak  of  that  God  which  bade  them  rise 
To  beautify  the  heavens  by  night. 


NATURE   FULL   OF   GOD.  105 

The  flower  that  smiles  within  the  vale, 
Where  careless  feet  may  never  tread, 

Repeats  the  same  unvarnished  tale, 
And  lowly  bows  its  modest  head. 

The  tiny  songsters  of  the  air, 

Which  joyous  float  on  golden  wing, 

The  same  almighty  Power  declare, 
And  chant  his  praises  when  they  sing. 

The  fields  in  verdant  grandeur  drest, 
In  all  their  splendor  and  their  bloom, 

In  silent  language  praise  him  best, 

And  send  to  heaven  their  rich  perfume. 

But  where  is  man?     Has  he  no  soul 
To  speak  his  Maker's  glories  forth, 

When  land  and  sea,  and  orbs  that  roll, 
Tell  of  the    Power  that   gave    them 

birth? 

10 


106  NATURE   FULL   OF   GOD. 

Sin  steels  his  heart,  and  blinds  his  eyes, 
And  makes  him  careless  of  his  God, 

When  all  that  move  beneath  the  skies 
Conspire  to  sound  his  praise  abroad. 

Awake,  0  man !  thy  dormant  powers, 
And  let  thy  soul  His  glory  sing : 

Should  Nature's  voices  rival  ours 

And  shame  the  praises  that  we  bring  ? 


HEAVEN.  107 


HEAVEN. 

And  his  rest  shall  be  glorious.  —  Isa.  11 :  10. 

THERE  is  a  glorious  land  afar, 
Beyond  the  brightest  burning  star, 

Where  peace  interminably  reigns ; 
Where  soft  and  balmy  breezes  blow, 
And  golden  rivers  gently  flow, 

And  gladness  smiles  o'er  all  the  plains. 

No    groveling   thought,   no    treacherous 

smile, 
No  word  unkind,  no  act  of  guile, 

Will  e'er  disturb  the  sacred  rest : 
On  every  peaceful  brow  will  shine 
A  living  beauty  all  divine, 

And  love  pervade  the  sinless  breast. 


108  HEAVEN. 

The  ills  of  life,  that  hover  o'er 
Our  sunniest  path,  are  felt  no  more ; 

The  cares  of  earth,  a  dismal  train, 
That  follow  every  step  we  take, 
Will  there  the  happy  soul  forsake, 

And  not  molest  her  peace  again. 

At  evening,  when  I  sink  to  rest, 

I  dream  of  heaven,  the  land  so  blest, 

And  list  to  hear  the  rapturous  song. 
0  glorious  land !  I  would  I  were 
In  yon  pure  clime  a  worshipper, 

Amid  the  bright  and  sinless  throng ! 


STORM    AND   SUNSHINE.  109 


STORM  AND   SUNSHINE. 

How  greatly  wise,  who  never  move 
When  stern  Misfortune  lowers ! 

Who  see  the  same  kind  hand  of  Love 
In  sunshine  and  in  showers ! 

When  shadows  veil  the  burning  sky, 
Behind  the  clouds  they  know 

Bright  fields  of  golden  grandeur  lie, 
And  seas  of  splendor  flow. 

They  only  bend,  but  never  break, 
When  angry  storms  arise  ; 

Prepared  the  hand  of  Grief  to  take, 
And  wait  for  brighter  skies. 
10* 


110  BUT   ONCE   I   STRAYED. 


BUT   ONCE  I  STRAYED. 

ONE  single  fault  forgive,  I  pray  — 

The  moments  flew  apace ; 
For,  ever,  where  the  heart  is  gay, 

Joy  blinds  the  dial's  face. 

Fair  forms  were  in  their  splendor  dressed, 
And  eyes  were  flashing  bright ; 

And  Beauty,  radiant  and  caressed, 
Beamed  as  the  morning  light. 

Forgive  !  it  was  but  once  I  strayed  : 

An  angel  would  the  same, 
If  in  his  golden  walks  betrayed 

By  Love's  enticing  flame. 


THE   TRUTH.  Ill 


THE  TRUTH. 

THE  truth,  the  truth !  oh,  ever  strive, 

The  holy  truth  to  gain  ! 
Nor  think  the  weakest  efforts  made 

Are  ever  made  in  vain. 
Search  daily  in  the  earth  and  heaven, 

In  Nature's  works  around  ; 
Where'er  a  note  or  voice  is  heard, 

Or  mortal  footstep  found. 

The  truth,  the  truth  !  it  comes  from  God : 

Search  deep,  and  find  it  out ; 
And  never  dare,  if  once  convinced, 

To  shut  the  eyes,  and  doubt  — ' 
Determined,  if  in  Error's  path, 

That  path  no  more  to  trace, 
Despite  the  taunts  of  rebel  men, 

The  mantle  of  disgrace. 


112  THE   TRUTH. 

The  holy  truth !  shame,  shame  to  those 

'Who  blindly  lead  the  blind, 
And  shut  the  glorious  world  of  light 

From  the  immortal  mind  ! 
Shame  to  the  wretch,  who,  when  he  knows 

Himself  he  can't  sustain, 
With  colors  false,  and  wily  words, 

Will  strive  his  end  to  gain ! 


- 


Thou  who  art  Truth,  teach  me  the  truth  ; 

In  wisdom  guide,  I  pray  ; 
That  nearer  to  thyself  I  come 

With  every  rising  day. 
Direct,  control,  in  every  course  ; 

At  morn,  at  noon,  at  even : 
And  clearer  light  will  mark  my  path, 

Because  it  leads  to  heaven. 


LOOK  ABOVE.  113 


LOOK  ABOVE. 

WHEN  friends  forsake,  and  health  decays, 
And  clouds  of  sorrow  gather  fast, 

How  sweet  to  lift  the  heart  in  praise 
To  Him  who  loves  us  to  the  last ! 

When   grief  o'erwhelms  the   heart,  and 
fear, 

Like  hateful  spectre,  dark  and  grim, 
To  shroud  our  pleasure  hovers  near, 

How  sweet  to  look  in  faith  to  Him  ! 

In  every  lone,  uncertain  way, 
Amid  the  cares  that  checker  life, 

How  sweet  to  look  above,  and  pray 
For   strength  to  bear  us  through  the 
strife  ! 


114  EPITAPH. 

In  life  or  death,  where'er  we  be, 

With  friends  at  Ijome,  or  foes  abroad, 

With  humble  heart  and  bended  knee, 
Communion  will  be  sweet  with  God. 


EPITAPH. 

A  BEAUTEOUS  rose,  half  open,  lay 

Upon  its  parent  stem  : 
An  angel-spirit  passed  that  way, 

To  deck  his  diadem ; 
And  when  he  saw  the  lovely  flower, 

"  Too  fair  for  earth  ! "  he  cries ; 
Then  plucked  it  for  his  golden  crown, 

To  wear  in  Paradise. 


THE    LOVER   OF  NATURE.  115 


THE   LOVER   OF   NATURE. 

THE  heart  that  worships  tree  or  flower, 

Because  the  work  of  Deity, 
Will  find  delight  in  every  hour, 

And  in  all  things  his  Maker  see. 

What  others  deem  a  barren  spot, 

To  him  is  clothed  with  matchless  grace 

Where'er  he  steps,  on  hill  or  plot, 
A  thousand  beauties  he  can  trace. 

The  tiny  leaf,  the  humble  weed, 
Unnoticed  by  the  careless  look, 

Are  pages  he  can  daily  read 

From  Nature's  nonpareilian  book. 


116  VIRTUE. 

Full  of  instruction,  wondrous,  rare, 
Is  every  inch  of  ground  he  sees ; 

Which,  studied  with  true  Christian  care, 
Brings    something   new   to   love    and 
please. 


VIRTUE. 

MEEK  Virtue,  banished  from  the  seat 
That  Wealth  and  Honor  share, 

Like  flowers  we  crush  beneath  our  feet, 
Sends  a  rich  fragrance  there. 

They  wrong  who  shrink  from  looks  alone, 

Or  from  appearance  judge  : 
Virtue  may  have  the  brightest  throne 

In  him  we  make  our  drudge. 


JUDGE   NOT    HASTILY.  117 


JUDGE   NOT   HASTILY. 

'By  one  rash  act,  oh,  judge  him  not, 
Nor  cast  him  from  your  love  away  ! 

Upon  his  heart  there's  but  a  spot : 
All  else  is  pure  as  vestal  day. 

Mark  well  his  course  ;  with  steady  aim 

It  is  the  truth  that  he  pursues  : 
Let  not  one  fault  turn  him  to  shame, 

Or  with  the  world  his  virtue  lose. 

« 

A  pitying  look,  a  gracious  word, 

May  save  him  from  the  depths  of  woe  : 
Then  haste  with  love  to  him  who  erred  ; 

With  all  a  brother's  kindness  go. 
11 


118  WAITING  AND   WATCHING. 


WATTING  AND   WATCHING. 

BE  waiting  and  watching 

The  signs  of  the  times, 
And  daily  keep  thundering 

At  the  prevalent  crimes : 
The  evils  will  lessen 

With  every  stout  blow ; 
The  brighter  the  weapon, 

The  weaker  the  foe. 

With  words  of  true  courage, 
March  on  to  the  field  ; 

Determined  that  never 
An  inch  you  will  yield, 

Till  totter  and  crumble 
The  pillars  of  Wrong  : 


WAITING  AND   WATCHING.    "  119 

'Tis  Justice  that  maketh 
Weak  instruments  strong. 

The  Right !  it  must  prosper, 

Whatever  oppose ; 
However  malignant 

Or  stout  be  its  foes  : 
Like  the  steps  of  the  morning, 

Majestic  and  free, 
It  will  onward  and  triumph 

How  gloriously ! 


120  NOT   FOB   OURSELVES. 


NOT  FOR   OURSELVES. 

"  NOT  for  ourselves,"  I  read 

Upon  the  gentle  showers  ; 
Upon  the  fields  of  waving  grain, 

And  on  the  blushing  flowers. 
Tis  written  on  the  glorious  sun, 

"  To  bless  the  world  I  shine,"  — 
On  moon  and  stars,  on  every  orb 

Made  by  a  hand  divine. 

The  happy  birds  that  soar 
On  light  and  golden  wing  — 

Whene'er  they  grace  our  sunny  walks, 
Not  for  themselves  they  sing. 

The  sparkling  rivulets  that  leap, 
And  rivers  swift  and  strong, 


NOT   FOR   OURSELVES.  121 

Speak,  in  a  language  all  can  read, 
"  To  others  we  belong." 

The  tall,  majestic  oaks, 

With  sturdy,  iron  frame, 
Stretch  out  their  arms  beneath  the  skies, 

No  glorious  meed  to  claim. 
On  beasts  that  roam  the  forest  wide, 

And  on  the  finny  tribe, 
"  Not  for  ourselves  alone  we  live," 

Doth  Nature's  hand  inscribe. 

Shall  frail,  dependent  man, 

Casting  his  eye  abroad, 
In  chains  of  selfishness  exclaim, 

"  I  am  creation's  lord  ?  " 
And  when  a  weaker  brother  calls, 

With  a  contemptuous  glance, 
"  Am  I  my  brother's  keeper  ?  "  ask, 

In  pride  and  arrogance  ? 


122  NOT  FOR  OUESELVES. 

If  Wealth  smiles  at  his  door, 

If  Plenty  crowns  his  board, 
And  the  delights  of  life  are  his, 

They're  lent  him  by  the  Lord. 
The  binding  duty  is  to  give ; 

His  gifts  with  others  share ; 
To  bid  the  sinking  captive  live  ; 

To  heal  those  in  despair. 

'Tis  his  to  raise  to  life 

The  feeble  and  the  faint ; 
To  visit  prisoners  in  their  cells, 

And  list  to  their  complaint. 
In  doing  thus,  he  but  obeys 

The  laws  of  Nature's  God  ; 
And  builds  in  heaven  a  throne  of  praise 

When  sleeping  'neath  the  sod. 


A    SMILE.  123 


A   SMILE. 

A  SMILE  !  —  who  will  refuse  a  smile, 
The  sorrowing  breast  to  cheer, 

And  turn  to  love  the  heart  of  guile, 
And  check  the  falling  tear  ? 

It  speaks  of  kindness  and  of  love, 

A  generous  sympathy ; 
And  lifts,  on  golden  wings  above, 

The  child  of  penury. 

A  pleasant  smile  for  every  face  — 

Oh,  'tis  a  blessed  thing  ! 
It  will  the  lines  of  care  erase, 

And  spots  of  beauty  bring. 


124  GENEROUS   AND   SINCERE. 

'Twill  calm  the  passions,  and  subdue 
The  ingrate's  fiercest  rage ; 

With  buds  and  blossoms  sweetly  strew 
The  path  of  youth  and  age. 


GENEROUS  AND   SINCERE. 

How  pure  the  blessings  they  impart, 
Who,  generous  and  sincere, 

To  lead  to  truth  the  wayward  heart, 
Drop  bleeding  Mercy's  tear  ! 

The  impulse  of  a  love  divine 
Glows  in  the  generous  breast ; 

And  all  the  heavenly  graces  shine 
Where  Virtue  is  a  guest. 


WHY   ARE  YOU   DULL?  125 


WHY   ARE  YOU   DULL? 

WHY  should  you  be  dull  and  sad  ? 
Nothing  can  be  half  so  bad, 

We'll  engage. 
All  is  cheerful,  if  you  look 
Rightly  into  Nature's  book, 

On  each  page. 

Sighing,  weeping,  trembling  —  who, 
When  you  make  such  loud  ado, 

Will  come  near  ? 
Peace  and  joy  you  drive  away, 
All  that  tend  to  make  life  gay, 

And  you  cheer. 


126  WHY  ABE  YOU  DULL  ? 

It  is  folly,  don't  you  know, 
Thus  to  sink  in  pools  of  woe, 

And  to  weep  ? 

Now's  the  time  to  live  and  and  act ; 
Not  the  rust  of  grief  contract, 

While  you  sleep. 

From  the  shadows  and  the  mire. 
Up  !  and  let  the  living  fire 

Of  ambition 

Glory  on  your  actions  cast ; 
And,  for  all  the  guilty  past, 

Show  contrition. 


TRIUMPH  OF   THE   RIGHT.  12T 


TRIUMPH   OF   THE  RIGHT. 

UP  !  men  of  New  England  I 

There's  no  time  to  droop, 
When  the  enemy  cometh, 

With  war-horn  and  troop, 
To  bind  and  enslave  us, 

With  shouting  and  blast  : 
Up  !  quick  to  the  rescue, 

And  fight  to  the  last ! 

i1 
No  quarter  to  Errof !  f 

The  skies  would  weep  blood, 
Should  the  efforts  of  freemen 

Be  crushed  in  the  bud. 
Then  rally  your  forces, 

Determined  to  win, 


128  TRIUMPH   OF  THE   BIGHT. 

And  face  to  lay  prostrate 
The  abetters  of  Sin. 

Unsheathe  from  its  scabbard 

The  sharp,  trusty  sword ; 
And  give  it  to  freemen 

In  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
Command  them,  press  forward, 

And  skilfully  scourge, 
Till  they  sing,  in  full  chorus, 

War's  funeral  dirge. 

We  know  it,  we  feel  it ; 

Redemption  is  near : 
Lo !  the  ranks  are  dissolving  — 

See  Justice  appear, 
With  banners  all  streaming, 

And  stars  in  her  train  ! 
Hark,  hark,  to  the  music  ! 

We've  triumphed  !     Amen  ! 


HUMBLE   HEART.  129 

Oppression  has  fallen ! 

Send  prayers  to  the  skies ! 
High  let  the  loud  anthem 

In  thunder  arise ! 
Till  the  earth  shall  re-echo, 

In  strains  that  are  meet, 
To  speak  of  a  triumph 

So  glorious,  —  complete ! 


HUMBLE  HEART. 

SHOULDST  Thou  bestow  the  power  to  raise 
But  one  petition  to  the  skies, 

I  would  not  ask  for  length  of  days, 

For  wealth  or  honor  —  earthly  praise  ; 

But  this  my  fervent  prayer  should  be  — 
An  humble  heart  to  sacrifice, 

In  faith  and  love,  0  God !  to  thee. 
12 


130  THE   ACTIVE   MIND. 


THE  ACTIVE  MIND. 

WHAT  if  I'm  thrown  upon  my  back  ? 

Must  I  lie  still  and  die  ? 
Or,  cringing,  ask  the  help  of  those 

Who  heedless  pass  me  by  ? 
No  !  I  will  struggle,  faint  or  sick, 

Upon  my  feet  to  rise  : 
He  is  a  fool  who  hugs  the  sod, 

And,  without  effort,  dies. 

The  active  mind  was  never  made 

In  sluggish  fear  to  rest, 
When  dark  misfortune  brings  us  down, 

And  sorrow  wrings  the  breast : 
Up  !  nerved  with  strength,  go  forth  again 

To  battle  in  the  strife : 


THE   ACTIVE   MIND.  131 

They  only  live  who  dare  and  do 
In  every  phase  of  life. 

Who  are  discouraged,  never  win 

Bright  Honor's  golden  prize ; 
Or  reap  the  blessings  spread  before 

The  diligent  and  wise. 
The  fair,  bright  sky,  the  broad,  green  earth 

Have  no  delights  for  them ; 
While  all  who  pass  look  down  with  pride, 

Or  scornfully  condemn. 

So  I  will  persevere,  if  I 

A  single  limb  can  move  ; 
Climb  up,  press  on,  should  foes  or  friends 

Discourage  or  approve. 
I  know  beyond  the  rolling  clouds 

There  is  a  sky  serene ; 
And  all  its  glories  I  shall  view 

With  not  a  veil  between. 


132 


THE   ACTIVE  MIND. 


Eternal  thanks  to  God,  who  gave 

A  heart  that  will  not  cower, 
In  foul  Oppression's  darkest  night, 

Beneath  the  foot  of  Power; 
A  heart,  that  when  beset  around 

With  base,  malignant  foes, 
Is  brighter  and  more  active  found, 

The  stronger  they  oppose. 

Ay,  stout  and  iron  heart,  go  on  ! 

And  never  shalt  thou  fail : 
With  zeal  and  energy  and  truth 

Thou  surely  must  prevail. 
Ere  long  thy  foes  shall  be  subdued, 

Or  in  thy  path  be  slain : 
Here  then  I  take  a  fresher  start, 

Never  to  yield  again. 


THY  BROTHER  HAS  FALLEN.       133 


THY   BROTHER  HAS  FALLEN. 

THY  brother  has  fallen  ! 

Oh,  go  to  him  now, 
With  love  in  thy  bosom, 

And  smiles  on  thy  brow. 
Speak  words  of  true  kindness, 

And  bid  him  arise 
From  error  to  virtue, 

And  press  to  the  skies. 

Thy  brother  has  fallen  ! 

Assist  him  to  stand ; 
Throw  round  him  thy  mantle  ; 

Extend  him  thy  hand  : 
Be  gentle,  be  tender, 

Persuasive  and  kind ; 
12* 


134      THY  BROTHER  HAS  FALLEN. 

And  to  his  heart's  centre 
A  way  thou  wilt  find. 

Though  sunk  and  degraded 

By  error  and  vice, 
Till  early  affections 

Are  cold  as  the  ice, 
Compassion  and  kindness, 

Once  felt  in  the  heart, 
Wilt  melt  to  contrition 

By  the  warmth  they  impart. 

Thy  brother  has  fallen  ! 

Oh  !  hasten  to  give 
The  help  that  is  needed, 

And  bid  him  to  live. 
Wait  not  for  the  morrow : 

To-day  is  the  time, 
Before  he  is  hardened 

In  error  and  crime. 


THY  BROTHER  HAS  FALLEN. ^     135 

Ask  not  for  the  reason 

That  brought  him  so  low  ; 
That  he  is  disgraced  is 

Sufficient  to  know. 
When  virtue  has  triumphed, 

Joy  beams  in  his  eye, 
With  tears  he  will  bless  thee, 

With  hands  to  the  sky. 

To  save  a  lost  brother, 

What  honor  so  great  ? 
Yet  thousands  neglected 

Are  left  to  their  fate, 
When  a  word  —  a  look  even  — 

Would  virtue  restore, 
And  keep  the  lost  brother 

From  wandering  more. 


136  BE   MINE   A   COT. 


BE  MINE  A   COT. 

BE  mine  a  cot  beside  the  hill, 
Where  summer  winds  are  free ; 

And,  musical,  a  gentle  rill 

•  Flows  onward  to  the  sea  : 

Where  birds  of  varied  hue  shall  sing 
Their  earliest,  sweetest  lay ; 

And  flowers,  warmed   by  the  breath  of 

spring, 
Their  richest  dress  display. 

Such  cot  be  mine  :  I  ask  but  this, 

With  Ellen  by  my  side, 
To  make  this  earth  a  scene  of  bliss, 

To  bliss  of  heaven  allied. 


ERRING  BROTHER.  137 

Each  season  in  its  round  would  be 
With  thousand  blessings  fraught ; 

And  not  a  morning  dawn  on  me 
That  care  or  sorrow  brought. 


ERRING  BROTHER. 

HE  cannot  know  the  human  heart, 
Who,  when  a  weaker  brother  errs, 

Instead  of  acting  Mercy's  part, 
Each  base,  malignant  passion  stirs. 

Harsh  words  and  epithets  but  prove 
That  he  himself  is  in  the  wrong ; 

That  first  he  needs  a  brother's  love 
To  touch  his  heart  and   point   his 
tongue. 


138  THE    MEAN   MAN. 


THE  MEAN  MAN. 

v  4 

THE  mean,  the  despicable  wretch ! 

Whom  all  on  earth  despise : 
The  rich  man  turns  from  him  in  scorn  ; 

The  good,  the  learned,  the  wise, 
Avoid  his  presence  ;  and  the  poor 

Thank  God  they're  not  like  him. 
He  has  no  friends,  though  he  has  power 

In  perfumed  baths  to  swim. 

The  mean  man  !   Day  and  night  he  strives 
To  break  his  neighbor  down ; 

Alike  unheeding  Wisdom's  voice, 
And  Anger's  scathing  frown. 

No  sympathy  can  move  his  heart, 
No  sorrow  bring  a  tear ; 


THE    MEAN    MAN.  139 

And  when  he  wrings  the  generous  heart, 
Satanic  smiles  appear. 

The  mean  man  !     Mark  his  half-shut  eye, 

His  staid  and  shriveled  look  : 
Pure  Love  could  find  no  virtue  there, 

And  cheek  and  eye  forsook. 
She  left  the  lineaments  of  ill, 

A  genius  to  destroy, 
And  never  touched  that  brow  again 

With  sunshine  or  with  joy. 

The  earth,  all  rife  with  bud  and  bloom, 

So  beautifully  bright, 
And  happy  birds,  with  golden  plume, 

Tinged  by  the  morning  light, 
Look  dull  to  him :  he  cannot  see 

That  Beauty  smiles  around, 
And  breathes  in  every  leaf  and  flower, 

And  trills  in  every  sound. 


140  THE   MEAN  MAN. 

The  mean  man  !     See  !  he  gropes  along, 

A  vile  and  hated  thing  ! 
His  presence  turns  delight  to  fear, 

Makes  gloom  and  sorrow  spring 
In  circles  of  the  young  and  gay, 

And  throws  a  shadow  dark 
O'er  every  blessed  scene  in  life 

By  comfortless  remark. 

The  mean  man  !    God  of  heaven  !  I  pray 

His  life  may  ne'er  be  mine ; 
That  kindness,  virtue,  love  and  truth, 

In  all  my  conduct  shine ; 
For  others'  woes  that  I  may  feel, 

And  soothe  the  laboring  breast : 
Who  make  their  neighbors'  grief  their 
own, 

Themselves  are  doubly  blest. 


YE   ABE  GOING.  141 


YE  ARE   GOING. 

YE  are  going,  ye  are  going 

To  the  grave  — 
One  and  all,  the  prince  and  beggar, 

High  and  low, 
Weak  and  brave, 

Fast  ye  go 
To  the  grave,  the  grave,  the  grave. 

» 
Time  is  flying,  time  is  flying  ! 

Oh,  prepare 
For  the  grave  that  now  is  yawning  1 

Hale  in  years, 
Young  and  fair, 

Fools  and  seers, 
For  the  grave  prepare,  prepare ! 

13 


142  APPEARANCES. 

Do  not  linger,  do  not  linger 

By  the  way ; 
For  apace  the  tyrant  cometh 

List !  his  tread, 
Night  and  day, 

With  the  dead, 
To  hurry  you  away,  away. 


APPEARANCES. 

'Tis  not  the  loftiest  looks  betray 
A  heart  that's  free  from  guile  ; 

For,  where  the  foulest  passions  prey, 
The  practised  lip  may  smile. 

The  noble,  generous,  and  the  wise, 

With  no  attractive  grace, 
May  be  commissioned  from  the  skies, 

A  blessing  to  the  race. 


HOW   TO   WIN   AN   EBBING   BBOTHEB.        143 


HOW    TO    WIN    AN    ERRING 
BROTHER. 

SPEAK  not  in  anger,  if  from  sin 
You  would  an  erring  brother  win  : 
If  you  a  sinner  would  reclaim, 
A  wild,  unbridled  spirit  tame, 
Use  gentle  means,  a  pleasant  word, 
And  kind  emotions  will  be  stirred. 

A  brother,  when  he  goes  astray, 
Is  more  determined  on  the  way 
When  he  beholds  an  angry  face, 
And  never  may  his  steps  retrace; 
But,  when  he  sees  a  tearful  eye, 
Turns  back  with  deep  humility. 


144  BENEVOLENCE. 

Speak,  then,  in  kindness  :  love  alone 
Must  to  an  erring  friend  be  shown ; 
The  warm,  kind  heart,  the  feeling  soul, 
The  angry  waves  of  sin  control, 
And  lead  to  duty  and  to  truth 
The  hoary  sinner,  wayward  youth. 


BENEVOLENCE. 

IT  is  a  little  thing  to  give 

A  cup  of  water  to  the  poor, 
Or  spare  a  morsel  to  relieve 

The  famished  stranger  at  the  door ; 
And  yet  these  trifling  favors  may 

Return  to  bless  ere  life  shall  close, 
And  cheer  through  earth's  dark,  devious 
way, 

If  multiplied  should  be  our  woes. 


SAY  NO.  145 


SAY  NO. 

WHEN  tempted  to  wander 

From  duty  and  truth 
By  the  siren  of  pleasure, 

In  the  hey-day  of  youth, 
Have  courage  to  answer 

The  soft-smiling  foe 
And,  prompted  by  virtue, 

Decided,  say  No ! 

When  the  glass  that  is  sparkling 

Is  pressed  to  the  lip, 
And  jovial  companions 

Invite  you  to  sip, 
Beware  of  the  serpent 

Beneath  the  rich  glow, 

13* 


146  SAY  NO. 

And  dash  the  bright  wine-cup 
With  a  hearty  No,  no  ! 

The  gamester  may  track  you 

With  his  treacherous  wiles, 
With  words  that  are  pleasant, 

And  a  face  wreathed  in  smiles ; 
In  sport  he  may  ask  you 

The  dice-box  to  throw  : 
Be  firm  in  your  virtue  ; 

Indignant,  say  No ! 

The  way  that  is  infamous 

What  multitudes  throng, 
With  music  and  dancing, 

And  soul-melting  song ! 
'Tis  Beauty  bewitching 

Invites  you  to  go : 
Away  from  false  splendor, 

Say  heartily,  No ! 


SAY  NO.  147 

Oh !  ponder  your  footsteps, 

Leap  not  in  the  dark, 
Upon  a  wild  ocean 

Launch  not  your  frail  bark, 
Without  that  true  wisdom 

Which  God  can  bestow : 
When  beckoned  by  Error, 

Decided,  say  No ! 

Take,  take  the  good  Bible 

For  your  guide  and  your  chart ; 
And  bind  its  pure  precepts 

Close,  close  to  the  heart. 
If  then  you  are  tempted, 

To  God  you  will  go ; 
And  strength  will  be  given 

For  a  hearty  No,  no ! 


148  THE  NEW   YEAR. 


THE  NEW   YEAR. 

OLD  TIME  has  taken  another  step, 

And  brought  the  New  Year  round  : 
We  see  it  in  the  leafless  trees, 

And  on  the  silver  ground. 
The  streams  that  sparkled  in  the  sun, 

And  joyous  leaped  along, 
Now  bear  upon  their  glassy  breast 

A  buoyant,  happy  throng. 

The  flowers,  bright,  beautiful  and  gay, 
That  decked  the  hill  and  dale, 

Have  hastened  to  a  quick  decay ; 
And  Autumn,  chill  and  pale, 

Has  scattered  Summer's  beauties  round 
And  desolation  drear 


THE  NEW   YEAR.  149 

Broods  over  all  that  blessed  the  eye  — 
Gave  rapture  to  the  ear. 

0  Time  !  0  Time !  what  glories  fall 

Beneath  thy  giant  tread  ! 
A  few  brief  months,  and  teeming  life 

Lies  withered,  blasted,  dead ! 
The  birds  that  caroled  in  the  grove 

Their  sweet,  mellifluous  lay, 
Like  the  bright  leaves  that  sheltered  them, 

Have  passed  like  them  away. 

Oh  !  pleasant  were  the  summer  hours, 

As  to  the  woods  we  hied, 
When  all  the  trees  and  all  the  flowers 

Were  in  their  glowing  pride. 
Joy  gushed  from  every  vein  to  hear 

Sweet  Nature  breathing  round, 
And  every  breeze  bore  to  the  ear 

Music's  voluptuous  sound. 


150  THE   NEW   YEAR. 

They've  gone  —  the  music  and  the  birds, 

The  flowers  and  waving  trees : 
They've  passed  like  infants'  happy  dreams; 

And  brighter  things  than  these 
Have  perished  with  the  rolling  year. 

The  friends ' —  oh !  where  are  they, 
Who  blessed  the  sunny  walks  of  life  ? 

The  noble,  generous,  gay  ? 

Full  many  a  hearth  is  desolate, 

And  many  a  heart  is  sad : 
We  look  for  those,  but  look  in  vain, 

Who  made  our  spirits  glad  : 
Beneath  the  cypress  and  the  sea, 

Nought  shall  their  slumbers  break, 
Till  the  last  awful  trump  shall  sound, 

And  bid  the  dead  awake. 

The  year!  how  pregnant  'twas  with  joy 
To  many  hearts  allied, 


THE   NEW   YEAR.  151 

That  hardly  dared  to  dream  of  bliss, 

Lest  evil  should  preside  ! 
Courage  and  fear  alternate  took 

Possession  of  the  breast : 
Sometimes  a  whisper,  then  a  look, 

Gave  pleasure,  or  depressed. 

Now  union  and  a  happy  life 

Dawn  on  the  youthful  pair : 
The  mutual  cares,  the  mutual  joys, 

'Tis  their  delight  to  share. 
Oh  envied  lot !  and  yet,  and  yet 

To  sorrow  they  are  doomed  : 
An  early  bligfft  has  often  chilled 

The  brightest  flowers  that  bloomed. 

Wise  Providence !  that  thus  conceals 

The  shafts  that  hover  near  ! 
That  rend  in  twain  the  noblest  hearts, 

And  sunder  ties  most  dear ! 


152  THE  NEW  YEAE. 

Could  we  foresee  the  thousand  ills 

That  in  our  pathway  lie, 
"  0  God  ! "  might  be  our  earnest  prayer, 

"  Permit  us  now  to  die." 

How  many  circles,  fond  and  blest, 

Have  been  to  grief  a  prey, 
Where  bright  and  beauteous  plants  have 
been 

Torn  suddenly  away  1 
The  cheerful  voice,  the  pleasant  smile, 

The  noble  heart,  and  kind, 
We  look  for  —  but  we  look  in  vain ; 

The  lost  we  ne'er  shall  find. 

Change,  change,  marks  the  revolving  year, 

Change  is  on  all  impressed  : 
Our  friends,  ourselves,  how  soon  may  we 

In  death's  cold  slumber  rest ! 


THE   NEW   YEAR.  153 

Though  nerved  with  strength,  in  life's  full 

bloom, 

We  must,  we  must  obey 
The  awful  mandate,  u  Dust  to  dust," 
•And  mingle  clay  with  clay. 

So  be  it  ours  to  live,  that  when 

Our  course  is  finished  here, 
We  may  to  brighter  worlds  ascend, 

Where  Virtue's  sons  appear  ; 
And,  in  the  presence  of  our  God, 

Enjoy  the  bliss  supreme, 
Studying  the  wonders  of  his  love  — 

The  holy  angels'  theme. 


14 


154  GRANTING    LICENSES. 


GRANTING   LICENSES. 

THE  damning  story  must  we  tell, 
While  loud  exult  the  imps  of  hell, 

That  Christian  men  in  Christian  times, 
Discarding  reason,  virtue,  law, 
Have  opened  Hades'  bloody  maw, 

And  bartered  souls  for  rusty  dimes  ? 

Unheeding  sighs  and  tears  and  groans, 
That  start  to  life  indignant  stones, 

Ye  crush    the  hopes,   and   force    the 

blood, 

And  scatter  far  the  seeds  of  ill ; 
For  gold,  determined  that  ye  will 

Plant  death  where  virtue   strives    to 
bud. 


GRANTING    LICENSES.  155 

Ye  dare,  beneath  Jehovah's  eye, 
His  love  deride,  his  wrath  defy  : 

And,  when  he  speaks  in  thunder  out, 
Attempt  to  baffle  his  design, 
And  intercept,  where  Truth  would  shine ; 

Then  o'er  God's  blasted  people  shout. 

The  brown  old  earth  in  sorrow  lies, 
Huge  tears  drop  from  the  sable  skies, 

And  moans  the  breeze  along  the  shore  : 
Ye've  cursed  the  land  God  made  so  bright, 
Extinguished  Reason's  glorious  light, 

While  Nature  bleeds  at  every  pore. 

As  if  the  pace  of  Sin  were  slow, 
Ye  bid  the  world  to  ruin  go, 

And  on  the  blasting  misery  feed : 
Red  hell  grows  warmer  with  your  praise, 
And  demons  chuckle  as  they  gaze 

Upon  the  dark  and  damning  deed ! 


156  I   LOVE   THE  MAN. 


I  LOVE  THE   MAN. 

I  LOVE  the  man  who  calmly  rests, 

When  wealth  and  friends  are  flown ; 
Who    Virtue,   Truth,  —  those    heavenly 
guests,  — 

Securely  makes  his  own  ; 
Who  never  looks  to  earth  for  bliss  ; 

Whose  treasure  is  the  skies; 
To  whom  keen  Sorrow's  dark  abyss 

Brings  no  depressive  sighs. 

I  love  the  man  who  kindly  bears 

The  haughty  tyrant's  frown  : 
Alike  to  friend  and  foe  he  wears 

The  look  of  calm  renown. 
The  proud  contempt,  the  conscious  slight, 

Do  not  affect  his  soul : 


I   LOVE  THE   MAN.  157 

He's  firmer  in  the  truth  and  right 
When  Passion's  billows  roll. 

I  love  the  man  who  freely  gives 

As  Heaven  has  blest  his  store ; 
Who  shares  the  gifts  that  he  receives 

With  those  who  need  them  more ; 
Whose  melting  heart  of  pity  moves 

O'er  sorrow  and  distress ; 
Of  all  his  friends,  who  mostly  loves 

The  poor,  the  fatherless. 

I  love  the  man  who  scorns  to  be 

To  name  or  sect  a  slave ; 
Whose  soul  is  like  the  sunshine,  free  — 

Free  as  the  ocean  wave ; 
Who,  when  he  sees  oppression,  wrong, 

Speaks  out  in  thunder- tones ; 
Who  feels,  with  Truth,  that  he  is  strong 

To  grapple  e'en  with  thrones. 

14* 


158  I   LOVE   THE  MAN. 

I  love  the  mail  who  shuns  to  do 

An  action  mean  or  low ; 
Who  will  a  noble  course  pursue 

To  stranger,  friend  and  foe ; 
Who  seeks  for  justice,  not  for  gain  ; 

Is  merciful  and  kind  ; 
Who  will  not  give  a  needless  pain 

In  body  or  in  mind. 

I  love  the  man  whose  only  boast 

Is  wisdom,  virtue,  right ; 
Who  feels,  if  truth  is  ever  lost, 

His  honor  has  a  blight ; 
Who  ne'er  evades  by  look  or  sign, 

In  weal  or  woe  the  same  : 
Methiriks  the  glories  are  divine 

Which  cluster  round  his  name. 


DEATH   OF   AN   ONLY   CHILD.  159 


DEATH   OF  AN   ONLY   CHILD. 

LIGHT  footsteps  at  the  door  I  hear : 

I  raise  the  latch,  and  look. 
My  bright-eyed  boy !  thou  art  not  there 

Returning  with  his  book, 
Another  child,  less  fair  than  thou, 
Smiles  as  he  passes  by  me  now. 

Falls  on  my  ear  a  gentle  tone, 
As  through  the  crowd  I  press : 

'Tis  not  thy  voice,  dear  cherished  one  ! 
Like  thine,  would  it  were  less ! 

And  then  this  heart,  so  big  with  grief, 

Would  not  in  tears  find  such  relief. 


160       DEATH  OF  AN  ONLY  CHILD. 

A  gentle  hand  hath  pressed  my  cheek 

While  in  my  study-chair  : 
I  seemed  to  hear  thee  sweetly  speak, 

"  My  father,  I  am  here  ;  " 
When  lo  !  I  saw  another  child, 
Who  only  mocked  rne  as  he  smiled. 

When  dimly  burns  the  chamber  light, 

I  kneel  beside  thy  bed  ; 
I  seem  to  hear  thy  sweet  "  good-night," 

But  tears  profusely  shed, 
While  on  that  couch  I  look,  where  lay 
So  lately  he  now  passed  away. 

And  in  the  morning,  when  I  rise, 

I  hasten  to  the  room  ; 
But  oh,  the  truth  !  it  drowns  my  eyes  - 

"  Your  idol  cannot  come ;  " 
And  then  the  agony  I  feel, 
No  soothing  words  of  love  can  heal. 


WHAT   IS   IT  TO   LIVE?  161 

Whene'er  I  see  a  happy  boy, 

Sadly  it  speaks  of  thee  — 
A  mother's  love,  a  father's  joy, 

All  that  a  child  could  be  — 
Sleeping  beneath  the  valley's  clod  : 
How  could  it  be  ?  my  God  !  my  God  ! 


WHAT   IS  IT   TO   LIVE? 

WHAT  is  existence,  but  to  give 

Our  influence  to  a  righteous  cause  ? 

To  bless  the  world,  and  thus  receive 
The  heart's  affections,  not  applause  ? 

To  live  is  but  an  empty  name, 

Our  lives  a  blot  to  truth  and  right, 

When  vicious  men  our  deeds  proclaim, 
And  Justice  weeps  at  Virtue's  flight. 


162  THIS   WORLD. 


THIS  WORLD. 

'Tis  beautiful !  'tis  beautiful ! 

This  glorious  world  of  ours  ; 
Life-teeming  slopes  and  waving  fields, 

And  bright,  delicious  flowers. 
We  cannot  look,  but  Beauty  lives, 

And  in  her  splendor  reigns ; 
On  shrubs  and  trees,  on  seas  and  lakes, 

On  mountains  and  on  plains. 

This  world  is  beautiful ;  but  oh ! 

Would  it  not  be  more  fair, 
If  Pride  and  Hate,  and  Envy  dark, 

Wan  Sorrow  and  dumb  Care, 
Were  not  companions  by  the  way, 

At  morn,  at  noon,  at  even  ? 


THIS    WORLD.  163 

Were  sin  unknown,  would  not  earth  be 
The  vestibule  of  heaven  ? 

When  every  thing  is  beautiful, 

Oh !  why  will  man  do  wrong  ? 
Nor  look  upon  the  glorious  world 

With  grateful  heart  and  tongue  ? 
When  Gladness  springs  in  every  path, 

Joy  floats  on  every  breeze, 
With  Pride  and  Folly  fetter-bound, 

God's  smile  he  never  sees. 

Each  bird  and  tree  and  blushing  flower, 

Each  rill  that  leaps  along, 
Seems  with  a  music-voice  to  pour 

An  ever-grateful  song. 
Awake,  0  man  !  with  Nature  round 

So  beautiful  and  bright, 
Lift  up  thy  soul  in  gratitude, 

And  share  the  pure  delight. 


164  TRY,    KEEP   TRYING. 


TRY,  KEEP  TRYING. 

HAVE  your  efforts  proved  in  vain  ? 
Do  not  sink  to  earth  again  ; 

Try,  keep  trying : 
They  who  yield  can  nothing  do  ; 
A  feather's  weight  will  break  them  thro'; 

Try,  keep  trying : 
On  yourself  alone  relying, 
You  will  conquer ;  try,  keep  trying. 

Falter  not !  but  heavenward  rise  ! 
Put  forth  all  your  energies ; 

Try,  keep  trying : 
Every  step  that  you  progress 
Will  make  each  future  effort  less ; 

Try,  keep  trying : 


TRY,   KEEP  TRYING.  165 

On  the  truth  and  God  relying, 
You  will  conquer ;  try,  keep  trying. 

Ponderous  barriers  you  may  meet, 
But  against  them  bravely  beat ; 

Try,  keep  trying  :* 

Nought  should  drive  you  from  the  track, 
Turn  you  from  your  purpose  back ; 

Try,  keep  trying : 
On  yourself  alone  relying, 
You  will  conquer;  try,  keep  trying. 

You  will  conquer  if  you  try, 
Win  the  prize  before  you  die ; 

Try,  keep  trying : 
Remember,  nothing  is  so  true, 
As  they  who  dare  will  ever  do  ; 

Try,  keep  trying : 
On  yourself  and  God  relying, 
You  will  conquer ;  try,  keep  trying. 

15 


166  HUMBLE   DEEDS. 


HUMBLE   DEEDS. 

IT  is  not  those  Who  make  a  boast 

Of  generous  deeds  which  they  perform, 

Who  for  the  needy  do  the  most, 
And  find  them  shelter  in  the  storm. 

He  who  has  never  raised  his  voice 
To  gain  the  plaudits  of  a  crowd 

Has  often  made  the  hearts  rejoice 
That    with     oppressive     chains    were 
bowed. 

In  humble  life  meek  virtues  spring 
To  glad  the  heart,  to  bless  and  cheer, 

That  never  fly  on  eagle's  wing, 
Or  on  the  printed  page  appear. 


WHAT   IS   LIFE?  167 


WHAT  IS   LIFE? 

AND  what  is  life,  if  we  alone 

Live  to  promote  vile,  selfish  ends  ? 
If  our  ambition  is  a  throne, 

Regardless  of  our  foes  or  friends  ? 
It  is  not  worthy  of  the  name, 

And  better  that  we  perish  now, 
Than  kindle  Honor's  lurid  flame, 

Or  to  the  god  of  Passion  bow. 

'Tis  only  real  life,  when  we 

Fill  up  our  days  with  noble  deeds  ; 
Pluck  from  the  breast  of  Poverty 

Dark  Melancholy's  fruitful  seeds ; 
And,  where  the  hand  of  Sorrow  pressed, 

Put  efforts  forth  to  cheer  and  heal, 


168  WHAT   IS   LIFE? 

And  plant  within  the  torpid  breast 
A  lively  faith  —  a  holy  zeal. 

They  who  the  mandate  of  the  great 

Upon  a  trembling  throne  obey, 
Who  for  his  beck  and  nodding  wait, 

From  fiery  youth  till  life  is  gray, 
Are  abject  slaves,  and  never  know 

The  glories  of  a  freeman's  life; 
The  joy  and  peace  and  love  that  flow         V 

In  vales  secure  from  pain  and  strife. 

Oh !  wouldst  thou  live,  and  living  bless 

The  sons  of  woe  ?  and  pour  within 
The  lonely 'heart  of  deep  distress 

The  oil  of  joy  ?  to  virtue  win 
The  men  of  crime  ?  turn  straight  away 

From  gilded  honors,  worthless  fame  ; 
For  these  but  crumble  to  decay 

Before  the  light  of  Virtue's  flame. 


THE 'HEART'S  BITTERNESS.  169 


THE  HEART  KNOWETH   ITS   OWN 
BITTERNESS. 

WHENE'ER  we  see  a  happy  face, 

How  little  do  we  know 
Within  the  breast  how  large  a  space 

Is  filled  with  grief  and  woe ! 

Perhaps  a  pleasant  smile  conceals 
A  pang  which  none  discerns  ; 

And,  while  the  brow  a  joy  reveals, 
The  fire  of  anguish  burns. 

Oh !  could  we  read  the  inmost  heart, 

Its  sorrow  and  its  grief, 
Back  from  the  smiling  face  we'd  start, 

And  seek  to  give  relief. 

15* 


170  THE   INFANT   DEAD. 

Pity  instead  of  hate  would  move, 
And  love  inspire  the  breast : 

A  thousand  times  we  should  approve 
Where  censure  is  expressed. 


THE  INFANT   DEAD. 

HAPPY  infant !  early  blest ! 

Sleeping  on  thy  Saviour's  breast. 

Pains  are  ended,  tears  are  dry : 

Oh,  how  blessed  thus  to  die ! 

Though  we  mourn,  we  would  not  bring 

Shadows  to  thy  cherub  wing, 

And  to  earth  return  again 

Sister  of  an  angel  train. 

Bowing  low,  we  kiss  the  rod  : 

'Twas  in  kindness  sent  by  God. 


GO   NOT  BACK.  171 


GO  NOT  BACK. 

MY  brother,  go  not  back  ; 

The  pledge  is  taken  now  : 
I  see  it  in  the  healthful  smile 

That  plays  upon  thy  brow  ; 
I  see  it  in  the  sparkling  eye, 

So  dull  and  dim  before : 
Then  go  not  back  again,  my  friend, 

To  sure  Destruction's  door. 

My  brother,  go  not  back  ; 

Press  on  in  Virtue's  way : 
Be  steadfast  in  thy  sacred  pledge, 

And  Truth  shall  be  thy  stay ; 
Hope,   bright   as   morning's  dawn,  shall 
spring 

"Where'er  thy  feet  may  tread  : 


172  GO   NOT  BACK. 

Then  go  not  back  again,  my  friend, 
To  paths  of  terror  spread. 

My  brother,  go  not  back 

To  sorrow  and  to  vice ; 
To  reap  the  bitter  fruits  of  sin, 

Where  none  to  glory  rise  ; 
Where,  stranger  to  the  joys  of  earth, 

Life  will  be  steeped  in  woe  : 
Then  go  not  back  again,  my  friend ; 

But  upward,  heavenward,  go. 

My  brother,  go  not  back  ; 

The  fatal  whirlpool  see, 
Where  thousands  and  ten  thousands  rush 

To  hopeless  misery. 
Behold  them  perish  day  by  day, 

Unconscious  when  they  sink : 
Then  go  not  back  again,  my  friend, 

To  Ruin's  fearful  brink. 


GO   NOT   BACK.  173 

My  brother  will  not  go : 

I  read  it  on  his  cheek ; 
I  see  it  in  the  tears  that  flow, 

And  when  I  hear  him  speak. 
He  has  resolved,  in  God's  own  strength  — 

Who  will,  I  know,  sustain  — 
Never,  while  Reason  holds  her  throne, 

To  touch  the  cup  again. 


174  THE   GOOD   MAN. 


THE  GOOD   MAN. 

WITHIN  his  ever-peaceful  breast 

No  angry  feelings  rise  : 
Contentment  is  his  constant  guest, 

And  every  want  supplies. 

If  blest  with  wealth,  he  daily  gives 

The  needy  at  his  door  ; 
If  poor,  he  thankfully  receives, 

Without  a  grasp  for  more. 

While  others  murmur  or  complain, 
With  joy  he  looks  abroad, 

And  in  the  sunshine  and  the  rain 
Sees  the  kind  hand  of  God. 


THE   GREAT.  175 

In  pleasantness  and  peace  his  days 

Pass  happily  away  ; 
Angels,  approving,  on  him  gaze, 

And  round  his  dwelling  stay. 


THE   GREAT. 

WHO  are  the  great  ?     The  great  are  they 

With  hearts  from  pride  and  envy  free ; 
Who  ne'er  unholy  power  obey, 

Nor  bow  to  wealth  the  suppliant  knee  ; 
Who  covet  not  the  applause  of  men, 

Are  happy  in  an  humble  sphere, 
And  never,  with  the  lip  or  pen, 

Debase  the  heart  or  pain  the  ear. 
If  called  to  rule,  no  -selfish  aims 

Prompt  them  to  stand  in  Honor's  seat ; 
True  glories  cluster  round  their  names, 

While  grateful  hearts  their  worth  re 
peat. 


176  NEVER   YIELD   TO    SORROW. 


NEVER  YIELD   TO   SORROW. 

THOUGH  clouds  obscure  the  summer  sky, 

Yield  not  to  dark  despair ; 
The  glorious  sun  is  just  as  nigh 

As  when  the  skies  were  fair. 

As  many  sorrows  press  our  way, 
When  laughter  fills  the  breast, 

As  when  we  yield  to  stern  dismay, 
And  all  in  gloom  is  drest. 

We  make  the  pangs  we  daily  feel 

Our  sorrow  and  our  grief, 
When,  should  we  bid  our  fears  be  still, 

Joy  would  give  quick  relief. 


STAND   UP,   BROTHER.  177 


STAND   UP,   BROTHER. 

STAND  up,  brother !  here's  the  hand 
That  will  help  thee  rise  and  stand ; 
Here's  the  heart  that  warmly  burns 
When  a  prodigal  returns. 

Stand  up,  brother ! 
For  a  friend  thy  spirit  yearns. 


Stand  up,  brother !  stand  upright  I 
Let  the  scales  fall,  see  the  light ; 
And  no  longer  in  the  dust 
Let  thy  mind  be  clogged  with  rust. 

Stand  up,  brother ! 
And  the  galling  fetters  burst. 

16 


178  STAND    UP,   BROTHER. 

Stand  up,  brother !  fear  no  ill ; 
We  will  love,  protect  thee  still : 
When  the  night  of  darkness  lowers : 
In  the  tempest's  strongest  hours. 

Stand  up,  brother ! 
These  are  warm,  kind  hearts  of  ours. 

Stand  up,  brother  !  yes,  thou  wilt, 
Though  so  long  oppressed  by  guilt : 
On  thy  brow  we  gladly  read, 
"  You  have  been  my  friends  indeed." 

Stand  up,  brother ! 
We  are  just  the  friends  you  need. 


PLEASURE   EVERYWHERE.  179 


PLEASURE   EVERYWHERE. 

THERE'S  pleasure  everywhere 

To  hearts  that  rightly  feel ; 
And  no  one  need  complain  of  care, 
Or  on  his  brow  a  sorrow  wear, 
Or  painful  thoughts  reveal. 

Nature  below,  above,  — 

How  beautiful  to  view  ! 
In  every  path  we  choose  to  rove, 
We  find  a  thousand  things  to  love, 

Each  wonderful  and  new. 

Then  be  not  sad,  I  pray  : 
The  earth,  the  sea,  the  sky, 


180  PLEASURE   EVERYWHERE. 

Are  clothed  in  smiles  ;  and,  full  of  play, 
The  beasts  and  birds  wear  time  away ; 
Then  why  not  you  and  I  ? 

A  glorious  world  is  ours, 

In  peerless  beauty  dressed ; 
With  trees  and  shrubs  and  blushing  flow 
ers, 
O'er  which  the  sunlight  falls  in  showers, 

And  slumbers  on  its  breast. 


PRESS   ON.  181 

PRESS   ON. 

PRESS  on,  press  on  to  virtue, 

Until  the  goal  is  won  ; 
Nor  linger  with  the  farewell  beams 

Of  the  departing  sun. 
Move  limb  and  heart;  go  forth 

With  majesty  and  might ; 
And  never  tire  and  never  faint, 

At  daybreak  or  at  night. 

Press  on,  press  on  to  virtue  ; 

The  prize  you'll  win  at  last, 
If  with  a  courage  unsubdued, 

And  firm  truth  buckled  fast, 
In  Heaven's  high  name  you  go. 

As  sure  as  morn  succeeds 
The  night,  so  sure  on  Glory's  page 

Will  burn  Faith's  noble  deeds. 

16* 


182  VICE. 


VICE. 

A  MONSTEK  grim  and  awful  'tis, 
Black  as  the  noon  of  night; 

With  horrid  brow  and  demon  phiz, 
And  eyes  of  sulphurous  light. 

Beneath  a  fair  and  lovely  mask 

His  ugly  form  he  hides, 
While  smiling  he  pursues  his  task, 

And  thoughtless  wretches  guides. 

Along  the  path  to  infamy 

He  strews  the  sweetest  flowers, 

O'er  which  he  spreads  a  gorgeous  sky, 
A  sky  that  never  lowers. 


ONE   FAULT.  183 

Tis  thus  the  ruin  he  completes 
Of  those  who  yield  to  sin : 

His  presence  like  a  canker  eats, 
When  all  seems  peace  within. 


ONE  FAULT. 

THEY  little  know  the  human  heart 
Who  for  one  fault  a  friend  forsake, 

And  from  the  law  of  love  depart, 

Indifferent  though   that  heart  should 
break. 

One  fault  —  oh  !  hide  it  from  the  gaze 
Of  those  who  rise  when  virtue  sinks ! 

This  course  that  noble  mind  displays 
Which  at  God's  fount  of  mercy  drinks. 


184  A    LESSON   FROM   NATURE. 


A  LESSON  FROM  NATURE. 

BEHOLD  the  sky !  how  glorious  'tis, 
In  gold  and  silver  dressed  ; 

As  if  the  sunny  vales  of  bliss 
Were  opening  on  the  blessed. 

Behold  the  earth !  a  glory  crowns 
The  lowland  and  the  lea, 

The  hill-tops  and  the  plumy  downs, 
Each  leaf  and  shrub  and  tree. 

Behold  the  beast !  in  shady  groves, 
Or  resting  by  the  stream, 

Where'er  the  forest  tenant  roves, 
There's  happiness  for  him. 


A   LESSON   FROM  NATURE.  185 

Yet  thou  art  sad.     0  man !  awake, 

And  cast  thy  sorrows  by ; 
Of  earth's  full  happiness  partake, 

Nor  waste  thy  strength  and  die. 

Heaven  made  thee  for  a  happy  man, 

To  be  supremely  blessed  ; 
Yet  thou  wilt  thwart  his  wondrous  plan, 

In  clouds  of  gloom  depressed, — 

In  clouds  of  gloom,  when  all  around 

Is  cheerful,  happy,  bright  ! 
Up  from  the  shadows  on  the  ground, 

To  wisdom,  life  and  light ! 


186         MAKE  OTHERS  HAPPY. 


MAKE  OTHERS   HAPPY. 


I  WOULD  not  on  a  happy  face 
A  shade  of  sorrow  bring, 

Nor  in  a  gentle  bosorn  place 
A  vicious  thought  to  sting. 


I  would  not  cause  from  laughing  eyes 

A  single  tear  to  start, 
Nor  rouse  forgotten  memories 

To  shade  the  sunny  heart. 

I  deem  it  sin,  when  we  can  light 
The  thorny  path  of  gloom, 

And  make  the  cheek  of  sorrow  bright, 
The  tearful  eye  illume, 


REST   IN   PEACE.  187 

A  word  to  breathe,  a  look  to  cast, 
That  stings  a  human  breast, 

Or  make  a  painful  feeling  last, 
When  life  should  all  be  blest. 


REST  IN   PEACE. 

THE  turmoil  of  the  world  is  o'er  ; 

In  quiet  rest  thee  now : 
Thy  generous  heart  no  envy  bore, 

No  stain  was  on  thy  brow. 

Soft  Pity  was  thy  constant  guest ; 

Thy  bosom,  Mercy's  throne  ; 
And  every  place  thy  presence  blest 

With  heavenly  radiance  shone. 


188  BALLOTS. 


BALLOTS. 

THE  heart  of  oppression 

To  crush  or  subdue, 
Cast  prayerful  your  ballots, 

0  patriots  true ! 

These  dumb  little  missiles 

The  citadel  rock 
Where  the  mother  of  Treason 

Had  nurtured  her  flock. 

In  terror  they  scatter 
The  plots  of  the  base, 

And  scathe  as  with  lightning 
Proud  Tyranny's  race. 


BALLOTS.  189 

The  ballots  of  freemen  — 
How  nobly  they  speak ! 

Giving  hope  to  the  fallen, 
And  strength  to  the  weak. 

They  speak  to  the  bondmen, — 
Lo !  Freedom  has  come  ! 

They  speak  to  the  tyrants, — 
Oppression  is  dumb ! 

To  the  ballot-box  rally, 

Each  patriot  son  ! 
With  numbers  and  union 

The  victory  is  won  ! 

17 


190     CONFERENCE  WITH  THE  HEART. 


CONFERENCE  WITH  THE    HEART. 

YIELD  not,  stout  heart,  to  dark  despair ! 

O'er  every  foe  thou'lt  triumph  yet, 
And  on  thy  front  the  victory  bear, 

Before  the  sun  of  life  is  set. 
Shall  look  or  word,  shall  face  of  clay, 

Thy  courage  daunt,  or  quench  thy  zeal, 
Or  from  thy  duty  turn  away  ? 

Must  all  thy  talents  slumber  still  ? 

Fear  not,  stout  heart !  press  on,  press  on, 
Undaunted,  till  each  foe  is  slain, 

Or  powerless  from  the  field  is  gone, 
With  all  his  vile,  malicious  train. 

What  are  the  puny  arms  that  wage 
War  with  the  sacred  truth  and  right, 


CONFERENCE  WITH  THE  HEART. 


191 


Compared  with  those  who  dare  engage 
To  fall  or  conquer  in  the  fight  ? 

Up  with  thy  courage !  there  is  nought 

That  can  a  warlike  soul  alarm : 
The  future  is  with  glory  fraught 

For  quenchless  zeal  and  sinewy  arm. 
Up  from  the  dust !  and  break  the  chain 

That  binds  thy  spirit  to  the  earth ; 
And  never  dare  to  sink  again, 

Forgetful  of  thy  noble  birth. 

To  yield  to  sorrow  and  dismay, 

And  sigh  and  weep  o'er  blessings  past ; 
To  turn  from  truth  and  God  away, 

And  all  thy  sacred  honors  blast ; 
To  move  along  in  doubt  and  fear, 

And  tremble  at  the  shades  of  even, — 
What  is  it  but  a  tomb  to  rear, 

And,  stealing  to  it,  turn  from  Heaven  ? 


192  CONFERENCE   WITH   THE    HEART. 

Up,  then,  stout   heart!    and   know    thy 
power, 

And  dissipate  the  mists  of  ill : 
Should  still  the  storms  of  terror  lower, 

Press  on,  thy  duty  to  fulfil. 
Press  on !  dig  through  the  barriers  thrown 

Across  thy  path  by  envious  hands  ; 
For,  lo !  the  victory  is  thy  own, 

Where  Truth  complete  in  armor  stands. 

'Tis  energy  with  faith  that  springs 

In  the  stout  heart,  until  it  rise, 
From  dust  and  sin,  on  angel's  wings, 

And  gives  it  life  beyond  the  skies. 
I  see  them  go,  the  shadows  fly, 

Bright    hope    beams   beauteous   from 

afar, 
A  cloud  of  glory  fills  the  sky, 

And  wisdom  burns  in  every  star. 


RURAL   LIFE.  193 


RURAL   LIFE. 

How  pleasant  is  the  slumbering  vale, 
Where  winds  are  blowing  free, 

And  gifts  of  Nature  never  fail ! 
Oh,  such  a  home  for  me  ! 

There  songs  of  birds  delight  the  ear, 
And  flowers  rejoice  the  eye, 

And  beauty  lingers  all  the  year 
On  water,  field  and  sky. 

Such  home  be  mine,  among  the  hills, 

The  giant  forest-trees, 
Where  leap  along  the  flashing  rills, 

And  fragrant  is  the  breeze  ; 

17* 


194  RURAL   LIFE. 

Where  voice  profane  and  boisterous  song 

Will  never  taint  the  air ; 
And  few  are  taught  to  practise  wrong, 

Or  breathe  a  selfish  prayer. 

To  city  life  I  bid  adieu  ; 

Its  crowded  mart,  farewell ! 
With  rural  scenes,  forever  new, 

My  spirit  longs  to  dwell. 

Sweet,  oh,  how  sweet !  at  morn  and  eve, 

To  cast  the  eye  abroad  ; 
Pure  truths  from  Nature's  voice  receive, 

And  humbly  worship  God. 


STAND   AS   THE   ANDES.  195 


STAND   AS 'THE  ANDES. 

STAND  firm  as  the  Andes, 

Determined  and  strong, 
When  the  waves  of  corruption 

Are  surging  along. 
Face  manfully  error, 

And  never  turn  back, 
Though  the  fagot  is  blazing, 

And  frowning  the  rack. 

Stand  firm  as  the  Andes, 

In  turbulent  times, 
When  Error  with  Virtue 

Exultingly  chimes, 
And  prostrate  is  Mercy, 

And  Wisdom  is  fled, 


196  STAND   AS   THE   ANDES. 

And  the  spirit  of  Devotion 
Is  chilled  as  the  dead. 

Stand  firm  as  the  Andes, 

When  Treachery,  rife 
With  all  that  is  evil, 

Is  seeking  your  life  ; 
When  foes  are  increasing, 

And  bearing  you  down, 
And  every  face  weareth 

Revenge  or  a  frown. 

-  j  .•  '.  '    <  . 
Stand  firm  as  the  Andes, 

Nor  flinch  at  the  blast : 
Though  Justice  may  slumber, 

It  waketh  at  last. 
The  foe  shall  lie  prostrate, 

When  Heaven  decree, 
And  Right  be  triumphant, 

And  all  shall  be  free. 


THE   DESIRE   OP  ALL  NATIONS.  197 


THE  DESIRE   OF   ALL   NATIONS. 

And  T  will  shake  all  nations,  and  the  Desire  of  all  nations  shall 
come.  —  HAGGAI  2 :  7. 

HARK  !  hark  !  the  glad  tidings  ! 

The  Saviour  appears ! 
O'er  error  triumphant, 

His  kingdom  he  rears. 
Lo !  tumble  the  mountains, 

And  tremble  the  hills, 
As  the  sweet  song  of  gladness 

The  universe  fills. 

The  Saviour !  how  glorious 

His  face  to  behold. 
And  feast  on  the  blessings 

That  never  were  told ! 


198  THE   DESIRE   OP   ALL  NATIONS. 

And  list  to  the  music 

That  rolls  from  the  skies, 

As  the  songs  of  devotion 
Like  incense  arise ! 

Up,  sinner  redeemed ! 

The  Saviour  embrace, 
And  press  like  a  soldier 

In  the  van  of  the  race  ; 
And  he  will  infold  thee 

In  the  arms  of  his  love, 
And  bless  thee,  and  take  thee 

With  the  ransomed  above. 


BENEVOLENCE.  199 


BENEVOLENCE. 

BENEVOLENCE,  like  sunshine,  sheds 
Her  grateful  beams  o'er  all, 

Supplying  food  and  downy  beds 
Quick  to  the  sufferer's  call. 

She  visits  prisoners  in  their  cells, 
And  generous  gifts  bestows ; 

Where  sorrow  pines,  or  misery  dwells, 
The  tear  of  pity  flows. 

Where  evil  lurks,  with  friendly  voice 
She  warns  of  danger  nigh, 

And  a  sweet  influence  employs 
To  draw  men  to  the  sky. 


200  APPEARANCES   DECEITFUL. 

Among  the  blessings  thou  dispense, 

Deny  me  not,  0  Lord ! 
A  heart  of  true  benevolence, 

While  faith  leans  on  thy  word. 


APPEARANCES  DECEITFUL. 

Tis  not  in  hearts  that  seem  to  feel 
That  kindliest  feelings  are  possessed  : 

Where  efforts  are  put  forth  to  heal, 
There  is  the  sympathizing  breast. 

Loud  words  and  actions  may  appear 
As  if  a  noble  work  were  done ; 

While  Mercy,  in  an  humble  sphere, 
Asks  and  receives  the  praise  of  none. 


ONWARD.  201 


ONWARD. 

WITH  ONWARD  !  your  motto, 

You  never  will  fail, 
Should  Poverty  track  you, 

Or  Envy  assail. 
No  obstacles  hinder, 

No  trials  molest, 
Whose  aim  is  still  upward, 

With  truth  in  the  breast. 

The  shadows  that  mist-like 
Hang  under  the  sky, 

And  hide  the  bright  prospects 
Behind  them  that  lie, 

Will  fold  with  the  darkness 
Their  wings  for  a  flight, 

18 


202  ONWARD. 

And  glory  and  beauty 
Give  only  delight. 

The  sorrows  you  cling  to 

"Were  never  designed 
To  tax  or  to  fetter 

The  high-gifted  mind  : 
'Twas  made  to  soar  upward 

With  angels  and  God, 
And  not  to  be  trammeled 

On  the  valley's  cold  sod. 

Then  onward  !     See  blazing 

Away  in  the  sky 
The  motto  so  glorious, 

"  Look  up,  and  not  die  !  " 
'Tis  the  language  of  angels, 

Of  men  who  can  feel, 
When  the  world  they  would  startle 

In  thunder  appeal. 


WE   WILL   BE   HEARD.  203 


WE   WILL   BE  HEARD. 

OUR  cause  is  just  —  we  will  be  heard, 

Whoever  may  oppose ; 
Our  weapon  TRUTH,  our  watchword  RIGHT, 

We'll  manly  face  our  foes. 
God  did  not  with  his  image  stamp 

The  living,  deathless  mind, 
That  man  control  it  at  his  will, 

And  into  atoms  grind. 

The  waves  that  beat  upon  the  shore, 
In  thunder  speak,  We're  free  ! 

So  gentle  airs,  careering  winds, 
And  every  thing  we  see. 

We  will  speak  out,  and  man  shall  hear  — 
The  truth  is  unconfined  : 


204  WE   WILL   BE   HEARD. 

Proud,  haughty  tyrants  fall  before 
The  majesty  of  mind. 

You  say  we're  weak  :  grant  it  be  so, 

If  outwardly  you  judge  ; 
But  look  within  !  what  read  you  there  ? 

Not  made  to  be  a  drudge. 
You  may  confine  the  limbs,  and  think 

That  earnest  thoughts  will  rest: 
Aha !  you  never  can  destroy 

The  freedom  of  the  breast. 

Slaves,  slaves,  you  call  us,  and  you  dare 

Upon  our  lips  to  place 
Foul  hands  to  smother  burning  words ; 

Because  God  gave  our  race 
A  feeble  arm  ;  but  know,  ye  men 

Of  but  a  transient  might, 
Our  wrongs  shall  speak,  and  earth  and 
heaven 

Respond  unto  the  Right. 


WE   WILL   BE   HEARD.  205 

We  will  be  heard  ;  we  will  be  free ; 

You  cannot  bind  us  long : 
Go  chain  the  ocean,  lightning  chain, 

And  you  may  hold  them  strong ; 
But  oh  !  the  bright,  immortal  Mind, 

With  God's  own  nature  free, 
Leaps  forth  majestic  in  her  strength 

To  compass  land  and  sea. 

Our  cause  is  just ;  it  will  not  sleep ; 

From  dust  we  shall  arise  : 
The  strength  we  seek  is  not  of  earth  — 

'Tis  kindred  to  the  skies. 
When  slumbering  Justice  is  aroused 

In  wisdom  and  in  might, 
Then  woe  to  all  who  dare  oppose 

The  dawning  of  the  Right. 

18* 


206  PATH    OF   ERROR. 


PATH   OF  ERROR. 

How  dark  and  fearful  is  the  path 
That  leadeth  man  astray  ! 

No  blushing  flowers  to  love  it  hath ; 
No  beauty  spreads  its  way. 

The  light  that  in  the  distance  burns 
Eludes  the  wanderer's  eye  : 

'Tis  but  a  meteor  he.discerns, 
That  flashes  on  the  sky. 

Bright,  beautiful,  the  opening  seems, 
In  gorgeous  splendor  dressed  : 

'Tis  like  the  sun's  departing  beams, 
When  lingering  in  the  west. 


THE  BEAUTIFUL.  207 

They  linger  but  to  leave  behind 
More  dark  and  threatening  clouds  : 

Error  entices  but  to  blind, 

And  then  each  hope  enshrouds. 


THE  BEAUTIFUL. 

THE  lovely  and  the  beautiful  — 

How  soon  they  fade  away ! 
The  hearts  we  loved  and  cherished  most 

First  hasten  to  decay. 

Heaven,  partial  to  the  fairest  flowers, 
Transplants  them  to  the  skies, 

To  beautify  the  golden  walks 
Of  his  own  paradise. 


208  GO    FORWARD. 


GO  FORWARD. 

Go  forward,  press  onward : 

'Tis  wiser,  by  far, 
Than  fretting  and  sighing 

In  fear  where  you  are. 
Whatever  your  calling, 

Your  aim  or  pursuit, 
In  hand  with  true  Wisdom, 

You'll  bear  precious  fruit. 

A  Putnam  and  Warren  — 
What  made  them  to  be 

Remembered  forever 

By  the  good  and  the  free  ? 

'Twas  active  exertion, 
Indomitable  zeal, 


GO   FORWARD.  209 

And  minds  that  were  tempered 
With  wisdom  and  steel. 

Go  forward,  press  onward  : 

Oh,  live  not  in  vain  ! 
There's  wisdom,  and  honor, 

And  glory  to  gain. 
The  path  is  before  you, 

You've  only  to  choose  : 
You  win  if  you're  active  ; 

If  slothful,  you  lose. 

Go  forward,  press  onward  : 

A  moment's  delay 
May  thicken  the  shadows 

That  rise  o'er  your  way. 
This  waiting  and  wasting 

The  summers  that  fly 
Will  leave  you  a  sluggard 

To  linger  and  die. 


210  BE   QUIET. 


BE  QUIET. 

BE  quiet ;  don't  murmur, 

Nor  sink  in  the  dust ; 
The  good  day  approaches, 

When  onward  you  must : 
Your  fears  cast  away, 
Be  cheerful  and  gay ; 
Look  up  and  look  on, 
Soon  night  will  be  gone. 

Be  quiet :  stop  weeping, 
And  keep  a  good  heart, 

Each  morning  and  evening, 
To  take  a  fresh  start. 

Within  and  about 

Keep  a  sharp  lookout, 


BE   QUIET.  211 

That  nothing  betray 
Or  block  up  your  way. 

Be  quiet,  be  earnest : 

A  purpose  so  high 
Should  give  you  true  courage, 

Arid  make  you  defy 
The  storms  that  approach, 
And  foes  that  encroach, 
To  darken  your  skies, 
Or  close  Reason's  eyes. 

Be  quiet,  be  watchful : 

There's  peril  each  hour 
In  the  glow  of  the  sunrise, 

In  the  smile,  of  the  flower, 
In  the  dew  of  the  even, 
In  the  breezes  of  heaven, 
On  the  lip,  in  the  eye : 
Watch,  —  danger  is  nigh. 


212  BE  QUIET. 

Be  quiet,  be  patient : 

The  still  are  the  sure ; 
While  others  are  grasping, 

The  prize  they  secure. 
Blind  haste  and  quick  zeal 
To  passion  appeal, 
And  raise  a  loud  storm, 
But.  nothing  perform. 

Be  quiet ;  don't  murmur : 

Work  fairly  and  slow, 
And  daily  in  wisdom 

And  power  you'll  grow  ; 
Accomplish  whatever 
In  heart  you  endeavor : 
No  honor  comes  late 
To  the  watchful  who  wait. 


A   NOBLE   EXAMPLE.  213 


A  NOBLE  EXAMPLE. 

WHEN  bleeding  Mercy  from  the  skies 

Assumed  a  human  form, 
He  came  to  bid  the  helpless  rise, 

And  hide  them  from  the  storm. 

The  fire  of  love  in  Jesus's  breast 
Shone  steady,  pure,  and  bright : 

The  sick  were  healed,  the  sorrowing  blest, 
The  blind  restored  to  sight. 

To  save  from  sorrow  and  despair 
Was  Christ's  sweet  mission  here ; 

And  all  who  breathed  to  him  a  prayer 
Found  him  a  Friend  most  dear. 

19 


214  NEVER   REPINE. 

Oh,  blest  example !     May  we  strive 

To  open  Mercy's  door, 
And  bid  the  dying  sinner  live, 

And  all  to  heaven  restore ! 


NEVER   REPINE. 

AT  the  sorrows  that  fall, 

I  never  repine ; 
I  know  they  are  all 

From  a  Father  divine  : 
I  feel  his  kind  care, 

And  duty  perform ; 
And  his  blessing  I  share, 

In  sunshine  and  storm. 


ONE   MOMENT.  215 


ONE   MOMENT. 

Now  is  the  accepted  time.  —2  Cor.  vi.  12. 

ONE  moment,  thoughtless  sinner,  spare, 
To  seek  the  grace  of  Heaven ; 

One  moment  lift  in  earnest  prayer 
For  sins  to  be  forgiven. 

One  moment  to  thy  Maker  give, 

Amid  the  waste  of  time ; 
One  moment  cease  in  sin  to  live, 

And  taste  of  joys  sublime. 

One  moment  step  thy  foot  aside 

From  Error's  fatal  way, 
And  ask  the  Saviour's  care  to  guide 

Through  life's  uncertain  day. 


216  ONE    MOMENT. 

One  moment :  can  it  be  too  much 

To  give  the  Lord  divine, 
Whose  gracious  smile  and  gentle  touch 

Will  melt  that  heart  of  thine  ? 

| 

One  moment  give,  —  beyond  all  price 

A  blessing  will  descend, 
A  title  clear  to  paradise, 

And  joys  that  never  end. 

One  moment  spare  —  oh,  spare  to-day ! 

One  moment  give  to  Heaven ; 
One  moment,  sinner,  stop,  and  pray, 

"  Lord,  be  my  sins  forgiven." 


MIND   IT  NOT.  217 


MIND   IT  NOT. 

« 

Is  the  tongue  of  slander  loose  ? 

Mind  it  not. 

What  avail  is  low  abuse  ? 
Go  ahead,  and  do  not  stop 
For  the  words  the  rabble  drop. 

With  a  steady  heart  and  eye, 

Mind  it  not. 

Strength  of  purpose  will  defy 
All  the  shafts  of  bitter  hate 
Aimed  at  your  devoted  pate. 

Point  the  finger,  if  they  will : 

Mind  it  not. 

At  your  purpose,  and  be  still; 
Silence  writes  the  epitaph 
Quickly  of  the  scornful  laugh. 

19* 


218  MIND  IT   NOT. 

Do  they  crowd  you  ?  —  keep  your  hold 

Mind  it  not. 

In  the  right  you  can  be  bold, 
On  a  firm  foundation  stand, 
Though  men  fall  on  either  hand. 

When  or  howsoe'er  assailed, 

Mind  it  not. 

"  He  is  fearful,  he  has  quailed," 
Let  it  not  of  you  be  said, 
Till  the  vital  spark  has  fled. 


FORGIVE  THY  BROTHER.        219 


FORGIVE  THY  BROTHER. 

FORGIVE  thy  brother  who  has  erred, 
And  take  him  by  the  hand ; 

And,  as  you  speak  a  generous  word, 
Assist  his  feet  to  stand. 

Joy  sparkles  in  his  eye  to  hear 
Thy  words  of  gentle  tone : 

Forgiveness  breathed  upon  his  ear, 
And  love  and  kindness  shown, 

Will  make  him  rise  to  life  again, 
And  shun  the  path  he  trod, 

When  in  the  round  of  Folly's  train 
He  broke  from  Truth  and  God. 


220  KINDNESS. 

Forgive  thy  brother,  —  even  now 

A  smite  is  on  his  cheek ; 
The  glow  of  heaven  has  tinged  his  brow 

Speak,  and  forgive  him ;  speak ! 


KINDNESS. 

IN  every  breast,  however  rude, 

There  is  a  glow  of  love, 
A  latent  spark  of  gratitude 

That  words  of  kindness  move. 

If  every  pain  and  care  we  feel 
Could  burn  upon  the  brow, 

How  many  hearts  would  move  to  heal 
That  strive  to  crush  us  now ! 


OUR  BANNER.  221 


OUR  BANNER 

THE  star-spangled  banner, 

So  nobly  unfurled* 
To  the  breezes  of  heaven, 

Is  the  hope  of  the  world. 
Of  old  did  our  fathers 

Protect  it  with  blood  ; 
And,  battling  with  tyrants, 

Unflinching  they  stood. 

Up !  up  with  the  banner  — 

We  solemnly  swear, 
Protected  by  Heaven, 

No  tyrant  shall  dar§ 
Strike  the  stars  that  are  burning 

So  gloriously  bright, 


222  OUR   BANXEB. 

Or  stain  with  dishonor 
Its  halo  of  light. 

The  star-spangled  banner, 

The  flag  of  the  free, 
And  the  pride  of  our  nation, 

Forever  shall  be. 
No  despot  shall  seize  it, 

No  tyrant  molest, 
While  the  heart  of  a  freeman 

Beats  warm  in  the  breast. 


KEEP    STRIVING.  223 


KEEP   STRIVING. 

KEEP  stirring  and  striving  — 

The  day  will  soon  dawn, 
When  night  and  oppression 

Will  break  and  be  gone ; 
When  darkness  and  error 

Will  sink  to  the  shade, 
And  Vice,  hoary-headed, 

Be  still  and  afraid. 

Be  patient  and  active  — 
Oh,  deem  it  not  vain 

If  but  an  inch  foot-hold 
In  a  year  you  obtain : 

The  good  time  approaches, 
When  Truth  will  go  forth, 


224  KEEP  STRIVING. 

And  leap  like  the  lightning, 
From  the  South  to  the  North. 

Keep  stirring  and  striving  — 

Lose  nought  by  delay, 
Nor  sit  aside  trembling 

At  the  drones  in  the  way : 
Good  thoughts  may  be  scattered, 

And  borne  on  the  wind, 
To  soften  and  influence 

The  prejudiced  mind. 

Keep  pushing  and  striving  — 

Lo  !  tremble  and  fall 
The  pillars  of  Error, 

Foundation  and  all ! 
Jehovah,  who  blesses 

The  just  and  the  right, 
Has  come  in  his  power, 

His  wisdom  and  might ! 


I'LL  NEVER  DESPAIR.  225 


I'LL   NEVER  DESPAIR. 

How  golden  the  motto, 
"  I'll  never  despair ! " 
Within  the  heart's  centre 
I'll  treasure  it  there : 
In  sorrow  and  pain, 
Fools  only  complain ; 
I'll  never  despair. 

When  shadows  and  darkness 

Hide  glories  that  were, 
And  hope  flies  the  bosom, 
I'll  never  despair, 
But  rise,  and  rejoice 
With  Nature's  glad  voice, 
And  never  despair. 

20 


226  I'LL  NEVER  DESPAIR. 

When  trials  are  pressing, 

I'll  joyfully  bear, 
And  wait  for  the  blessing, 
But  never  despair : 
The  sun  will  illume, 
And  chase  the  thick  gloom, 
If  I  never  despair. 

Right  onward  and  upward, 
With  prudence  and  care, 
I'll  mock  at  and  conquer 
The  demon  Despair : 
Look  never  behind, 
And  glory  I'll  find, 
If  I  never  despair. 


SMILES  AND   KIND  WORDS.  «  227 


SMILES  AND  KIND  WORDS. 

WHEN  the  heart  is  dejected, 

And  pleasure  is  flown, 
And  passed  the  bright  moments 

So  fondly  our  own, 
And  stilled  is  the  music 

Of  nature  and  birds, 
How  sweet  to  the  bosom 

Are  smiles  and  kind  words ! 

The  fond  heart  is  breaking 

In  burning  despair, 
While  clothed  in  broad  sackcloth 

Are  skies  that  were  fair : 
Oh !  save,  ere  it  perish, 

The  sorrowful  rnind, 


228  SMILES  AND    KIND  WORDS. 

By  smiles  that  are  pleasant, 
And  words  that  are  kind ! 

I've  been  to  the  palace 

Of  the  rich  and  the  gay, 
Where  the  sirens  of  pleasure 

Chase  sorrow  away; 
But  never,  oh !  never 

Such  joys  have  I  seen, 
As  gush  from  the  bosom 

•Where  kind  words  have  been ! 


WINTER   IS   COMING.  229 


WINTER  IS  COMING. 

WINTER  is  coming,  cold  and  drear  — 

See  ye  the  poor  around  ? 
Oh !  when  the  wrathful  storms  career, 

And  snow  o'erspreads  the  ground, 
Will  ye  not  take  them  by  the  hand, 

Or  to  the  hovel  go, 
And  round  the  dying  embers  stand, 

And  wipe  the  tears  that  flow  ? 

Winter  is  coming  —  hear  ye  not 
The  mother's  earnest  cry  ? 

For  dark  and  dreary  is  her  lot,  — 
No  real  friend  is  nigh. 

For  wood  and  bread  she  asketh  now : 
Oh !  shall  she  ask  in  vain  ? 

20* 


230  WINTER  IS   COMING. 

See  sorrow  stamped  upon  her  brow, 
And  mark  the  orphan  train. 

Winter  is  coming  —  every  drawer 

Should  be  unlocked  to-day : 
Whom  do  you  keep  that  clothing  for  ? 

Why  not  give  it  away  ? 
Come,  pull  it  out !  a  cloak,  a  vest : 

Whatever  you  can  give, 
Wrapped    snugly    round    the    orphan's 
breast, 

Will  make  the  dying  live. 

The  closet  search  —  a  pair  of  shoes 

Half  worn;  and  here's  a  cap, 
Which  you,  perhaps,  may  never  use ; 

A  hat  with  scarce  a  nap, 
A  pair  of  pants,  a  rusty  coat  — 

Oh,  give  them  to  the  poor : 
What  is  not  worth  to  you  a  groat 

Will  warmth  and  health  secure. 


WINTER  IS   COMING.  231 

What's  in  your  attic  ?     Have  the  moths 

For  months  been  busy  there  ? 
Ay,  they  have  quite  destroyed  the  cloths 

You  saved  with  prudent  care. 
Come,  pull  them  out :  perhaps  we  may 

Find  something  that  will  make 
A  poor  man  rich  if  given  to-day, 

And  bless  the  hearts  that  ache. 

Winter  is  coming  —  give,  oh  !  give 

Whatever  you  can  spare  : 
A  mite  will  make  the  wretched  live, 

And  smooth  the  brow  of  care. 
When  plenty  smiles  around  your  door, 

And  comfort  dwells  within, 
If  you  neglect  the  worthy  poor, 

'Twill  be  a  grievous  sin. 


232  THE    BLUES. 


THE   BLUES. 

OH  !  do  not  unwisely 

Sink  down  in  the  mire, 
And  dream  that  the  mountains 

Frown  darker  and  higher ; 
That  the  whirlwind  is  coming 

In  wrath  and  in  might ; 
That  wild  clouds  are  meeting 

For  long,  endless  night. 

The  shade  and  the  valley, 
Why  should  they  be  thine, 

Where  birds  never  linger, 
And  suns  never  shine ; 

Where  the  leaf  and  the  blossom, 
The  stream  and  the  spring, 


THE   BLUES.  238 

To  the  eye  and  the  bosom 

No  pleasure  will  bring  ? 

• 

Up !  forth  to  the  hillside 

Where  buttercups  bloom, 
And  dandelions  scatter 

Their  gold  and  perfume ; 
"Where  blossoms  are  floating 

Like  butterflies'  wings, 
And  the  sweetest  of  songsters 

Right  merrily  sings. 

Up !  forth  to  the  hillside, 

And  never  again 
With  a  shade  on  thy  forehead 

Look  down  and  complain. 
A  stroll  in  the  sunshine 

Past  vigor  renews, 
Brings  joy  to  the  bosom, 

And  scatters  the  blues. 


234  SOCIAL  PRAYER. 


SOCIAL  PRAYER 

FATHER,  we  meet,  a  little  band, 

In  Jesus's  name  to  pray  : 
The  blessing  of  thy  grace  command, 

And  turn  us  not  away. 

We  would  be  more  like  him  we  love, 

And  less  to  sin  inclined : 
Our  best  affections  place  above, 

And  peace  and  pardon  find. 

When  Jesus  deigns  to  be  our  guest, 
How  sweet  the  moments  fly  !  — 

True  love  beams  brightly  in  the  breast, 
And  all  "  see  eye  to  eye." 


LIST  NOT  TO   THE  EVIL.  235 


LIST  NOT   TO   THE   EVIL. 

LIST  not  to  the  evil 

That  Malice  has  spread ; 
And  coals  that  are  burning 

Heap  not  on  his  head : 
If  erring,  forgive  him, 

Nor  take  him  to  task 
The  moment  he  ventures 

For  mercy  to  ask. 

Who  has  not  departed 

From  Truth  and  from  God  ? 
Who  knows  not  the  anguish 

Of  contempt  and  the  rod  ? 
Be  gentle,  be  tender ; 

Encourage'him  now, 


236  LIST  NOT    TO   THE  EVIL. 

And  the  penitent  smile 
^       Will  flash  on  his  brow. 

Oh  !  what  if  like  mountains 

His  past  errors  rise  ? 
Forgive  him  the  moment 

Tears  drop  from  his  eyes ; 
And  never  in  anger, 

Ill-will,  or  in  pride, 
Recur  to  the  vices 

Tis  virtue  to  hide. 


THE    END. 


ii 


